'''Source''' [http://www.ceram.com/newsroom/news-releases/ceram-examines-the-future-of-stent-materials/ Ceram-newsrelease]
=Insights=
==Boston Scientific==
===Products===
* They have 8 ureteral stents in their portfolio
* They are currently into clinical trials for "Truimph Ureteral stent" which is a ureteral stent loaded with Triclosan (used as an antimicrobial agent).The trials are currently in Phase II in canada(NCT00250406)
* Boston's ureteral stent portfolio have some common features such as:
#Stent material consisting of Percuflex- a Biocompatible Polymer Material
#The coating on the stent may be a Hydroplus coating
#Most of the stents are designed to have an indwelling time of 365 days
#Pigtailed shaped ureteral stent
===Regulatory data===
* Ureteral stents are class II medical devices and hence require a 510(k) approval to launch the product in the market. The time taken for Boston to get their stent approved ranged from 21 days to 9 months
===Clinical trials===
*The clinical trials of new medical devices of Class II and Class III can be conducted only after clinical trial approval by the relevant authority in accordance with the rules of the drug regulatory authority under State Council. Currently Boston scientific is conducting clinical trials for "Truimph Ureteral stent" which is a ureteral stent loaded with Triclosan (used as an antimicrobial agent).The trials are currently in Phase II in canada(NCT00250406).
*The other trials are related to comparison of various ureteral stent of different companies in terms of patient comfort and materials used in the stent.
*The result of trials is that there is not much difference in all the ureteral stent of different companies in terms of patient comfort and materials used in the stent
===Patents===
*The mapped patents gives an insight in to patents which were successfully commercialized
*The unmapped patents gives us a vision of the company's future vision in terms of product development strategy.It may also signify those patents which failed to reach towards succesful launch of products.
*The unmapped patents are analysed based on the following parameters
'''1.Coating on stents:''' Boston scientific have patents on Therapeutic/ medicinal coatings on stents which releases into the vascular region. Magnetic nanoparticles which helps in imaging the ureteral stent using MRI. Lubricious coatings which help in easy insertion of the stent
'''2.Structure of stent:''' Boston scientific have patents on various structure of stent . For eg Multiple channels(Depressions) along the length of stent filled with therapeutic agent,Multiple segments on the distal side of stent which is collapsible to prevent fluid from passing from the bladder to the kidney.,Stent with a renal coil with wick portion to prevent reflux of urine,Stent with beads on its surface which is of figure 8 shape having therapeutic agents,Stent with reservoir indicating its release with change in color of urine,Stents with degradable barbs,Expandable and collapsible stent to reduce patient discomfort
'''3.Materials used for stent:'''Boston scientific have patents on various materials used for stent. For eg.Elastically deformable stents(polysaccharide-based hydrogels), Biodegradable polymer based stents, Porous polymer for long term implantation( poly(styrene) blocks and polyisobutylene blocks),Stent with variable hardness (ethylene vinyl acetate and hydroxypropylcellulose)