Abstract
With the advent of the nanotechnology era, one vital region with huge potential is the use of nano drug systems for cardiovascular applications. Nanotechnology offers a broad range of opportunities for improving drug delivery systems due to the fact that many biological components, like DNA, involve some sort of nano-dimensionality. In accordance with cardiovascular research and in contrast with conventional drugs, local nanotechnology drug delivery has the possibility to prevent restenosis—narrowing of a blood vessel which leads to restricted blood flow—while promoting endothelial cell and vascular healing. The advent of molecularly targeted medications has the ability to specifically bind to epitopes in the injured vascular tissue media and adventitia as well as unimpeded endothelial healing. The ability for nanotechnology to substantially improve and create novel new drug delivery systems for cardiovascular applications and associated patents will be reviewed herewith, with a special emphasis on stents, catheters and nanoparticle research and patents.
Keywords: Catheters, cardiovascular, drug-delivery, nanoparticles, nanotechnology, stents
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