Medical device coating could reduce blood clot risks

Editor's Note

Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) say their newly created coating could enhance the safety of medical devices by reducing the risks of thrombosis and excessive bleeding in patients. As reported November 30 in Fox News, researchers' findings, published in the journal Nature Materials, highlight how mimicking the natural behavior of blood vessels prevents clot formation without the need for high doses of blood thinners.

Specifically, the new coating features a non-toxic polycationic molecule that prevents clotting without repelling blood components, Fox reports. Although further testing is required in animal models, Dr. Jayachandran Kizhakkedathu, lead researcher and UBC professor, described the material as a "transformative step" in creating safer, biocompatible medical devices.