HEAL Technology: The next generation of antithrombogenic coating
The HEAL Technology mimics the final step of natural haemostasis and thus the conversion of fibrinogen (by thrombin) to fibrin. The controlled growth process results in a thin and fully polymerised network of fibrin with additional covalently bound heparin molecules. This composition of the HEAL Coating results in the antithrombogenic and endothelialisation-promoting properties that are essential for the rapid healing of an intracranial device.
Fibrin passivates the surface so that the implant is not perceived as a foreign body and neither inflammatory nor coagulative processes are triggered. Passivation thus leads to a significant reduction in thrombogenicity. At the same time, the fibrin network forms an ideal scaffold for surrounding endothelial cells and thus supports endothelialisation and healing of the implant in the vessel.
Schematic illustration of HEAL coating.
- Brown: fibrin network
- Yellow: heparin