Fraunhofer Stent

The windpipe isn’t s simple tube; it contains cells that purify inhaled air.  So, it is important that when a tracheal stent is put into place it remain exactly where it was positioned. To improve that situation, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute in Stuttgart, Germany have lined stents with a polyurethane film that is well tolerated and compatible with cell function.  This product is not yet commercial available; it is in testing, but if it proves itself, polyurethane films might be used for pacemaker leads, tooth implants, and replacement joints.  MORE

Image Credit:  Fraunhofer and QMed.com