Long-term use of implantable electronic medical devices—such as pacemakers and cochlear implants—is hampered by the body’s reaction to foreign bodies. Now, in a study in mice, a team led by scientists at the University of Cambridge has shown that this reaction can be dramatically reduced by incorporating an anti-inflammatory drug into the silicone coating around the implant.
Drug incorporated into silicone coating reduces ‘foreign body reaction’ to implants
Long-term use of implantable electronic medical devices—such as pacemakers and cochlear implants—is hampered by the body's reaction to foreign bodies. Now, in a study in mice, a team led by scientists at the University of Cambridge has shown that this reaction can be dramatically reduced by incorporating an anti-inflammatory drug into the silicone coating around the implant.