Ultrasonic Spray System for Drug Coated Balloons
The MediCoat DCB system is designed to apply uniform coatings of anti-restinosis drugs, hydrophilic solutions, anti-coagulents, Paclitaxel, Rapamycin, Heparin, or other advanced drug delivery applications for PCTA angioplasty balloon catheters or similar in vivo balloon devices. Ultrasonic spray adheres well to balloon surfaces with no cracking or peeling of the coating. Our patented ultrasonic nozzles have been proven effective for coating high pressure medical balloons with drug and drug+solvent solutions. The MediCoat DCB is a full coating solution, enabling manufacturers to provide superior quality drug coated balloons for the best possible patient care products.
The DCB Balloon Coating System is a fully enclosed, sealed glove box unit designed to coat common sizes and types of balloon catheters. Using Sono-Tek’s ultrasonic nozzles in combination with our AccuMist precision air shaping systems, the capability to produce high quality drug coated balloons is possible.
Sono-Tek’s precision ultrasonic nozzles have been an industry standard for coating arterial and peripheral implantable stents with drug eluting polymers for close to three decades.
Ultrasonic coating advantages include:
- Ultrasonic coatings adhere well to balloon surfaces
- Superior, more uniform thin films than dipping methods with the ability to manipulate coating morphology
- Minimal overspray of expensive solutions
- Easy to load fixturing with included cartridge or customer designed holder
- Ultrasonic nozzle vibrations keep solutions evenly mixed with no clogging
- Tight drop distribution resulting in coatings that provide accurate rapid-release of drugs at the target site
- Ability to customize droplet sizes depending on frequency of nozzle used.
- Integrated control of the nozzle, liquid delivery, and balloon rotation
Coating Process for Drug Coated Balloons:
A proprietary holding device secures both ends of the catheter while rotational motors spin the catheter for 360 degree coverage of the entire balloon surface. The ultrasonic nozzle traverses across the drug coated balloon as required to coat desired lengths. The system includes controls for air flow rate, air pressure as well as continuous digital metering of humidity and temperature.
Spray pattern diameter and drop size are variable, depending upon the nozzle and air shaping system used.