- Number 366 |
- July 2, 2012
Coronary stent makes mark in medicine
PROMUS Element™ Plus Platinum Chromium
Everolimus-Eluting Stent System, showing
catheter delivery system. Image courtesy
of Boston Scientific.
A new coronary stent, which incorporates an innovative metal alloy developed by scientists at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) and Boston Scientific Corporation, Inc. (BSCI), has received a 2012 Award for Excellence in Technology Transfer. BSCI, the commercialization partner, utilized the improved alloy performance to develop new coronary stent products with superior properties compared with existing stainless steel stents.
More than 10 years ago, scientists at BSCI recognized NETL’s metallurgy capabilities and asked if the laboratory could help with research to improve coronary stents. Over the next decade, NETL’s Paul Turner, Paul Jablonski, and Edward Argetsinger, along with scientists from BSCI, worked together to develop a novel platinum/chromium (PtCr) alloy and design process to produce the alloy for use as a stent material. The final product features a bold new grade of highly modified stainless steel with more flexibility, corrosion resistance, and strength uniquely suited for next-generation stent products.
Global sales since market entry are now approaching $3 billion, representing a 45 percent share of the coronary stent market. BSCI has announced that all future stents will utilize this innovative alloy in its manufacture. Sales are expected to further increase as cardiovascular surgeons learn more about the unique features and patient benefits using these innovative coronary stents.
This national award is presented annually by the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer (FLC) in recognition of outstanding work by researchers in the transfer of technology from federal laboratories to the commercial marketplace. NETL’s Turner, Jablonski, and Argetsinger received the award for their effort on this collaborative project. Award applications were reviewed by a panel of technology transfer experts representing industry, state and local government, academia, and the federal laboratory system.
[Linda Morton, 304.285.4543,
Linda.morton@netl.doe.gov]
