Oxidative plasma treatment of fluorocarbon surfaces for blood-contacting applications
Surgical implantation of metallic stents is today a common procedure for restoring narrowed arteries. However, main complications as in-stent restenosis, partial or total thrombosis, inflammation and devices degradation are still a serious clinical concern. The coating of stents with fluorocarbon (CFx ) ultrathin films represents a valuable strategy to limit these complications. Moreover, an additional step for the modification of some key surface properties of CFx coatings could further enhance their blood compatibility.