Low‐friction coatings on medical needles through atmospheric‐pressure plasma‐polymerization technology

Abstract

The global needle market is growing due to an increase in the geriatric population, chronic diseases, and the high demand for vaccines. High insertion forces cause unpleasant effects on patients, needle deformation, and tissue displacement, affecting the accuracy of the methods. To reduce insertion forces, atmospheric‐pressure plasma‐polymerized coatings were deposited on spinal needles. The influence of liquid precursor, plasma power, precursor gas flow, and treatment time has been analyzed. To avoid plasma‐polymerized coatings detached after the injection test, it is necessary to apply a precursor that not only has antifriction molecules (siloxane) but also has particles that promote the durability of the coatings (amines). N1‐(3‐trimethoxysilylpropyl)diethylenetriamine (TRIAP) was the most effective, reducing insertion–extraction forces regarding noncoated spinal needles, by 75% and 50%, respectively.

Control strategies for atmospheric pressure plasma polymerization of fluorinated silane thin films with antiadhesive properties

“…[5][6][7][8] Therefore, these films are suitable for numerous industrial applications, including optics, electronics, and medical devices. [9][10][11][12][13] Despite plasma polymerization being traditionally performed at low pressure (10-100 Pa), atmospheric pressure plasma polymerization is receiving increasing attention due to the absence of expensive vacuum equipment and the possibility of in-line processing. [14][15][16][17] However, at atmospheric pressure, the mean free path of reactive species is significatively shorter than at low pressure, thus resulting in more complex gas chemistry.…”

“…[ 5–8 ] Therefore, these films are suitable for numerous industrial applications, including optics, electronics, and medical devices. [ 9–13 ]…”

Special issue: Plasma Medicine ‐ part I

“…Opening the research works of the special issue, the article from Muro‐Fraguas et al explores the application of atmospheric‐pressure plasma‐polymerization technology for the development of low‐friction coatings on medical needles. [ 4 ] The study highlights how plasma‐based surface modifications can enhance the functionality and efficiency of medical devices, thereby contributing to improved patient experiences.…”