Hydromer and the Russian Cardiovascular Catheter company have entered into an agreement, under which the Russian firm is licensed to use the Hydromer hydrophilic coating on its percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) microcatheters.

PTCA catheters are used in minimally invasive surgical procedures to open up coronary arteries that are blocked.

Hydromer said the medical coatings are slippery, reduce friction, and will ease the introduction of PTCA catheters into the vascular system.

Moreover, the coating system provides lubricity and durability whilst reducing particulates and complies with USP#788 low requirements in blood standards.

Hydromer executive vice president Martin von Dyck said, "We have been providing our Hydromer coatings to numerous PTCA catheter manufacturers around the world and very honored to welcome our first Russian client."

Hydromer is involved in the research and development, manufacture, contract coating and commercialization of specialized polymer and hydrogel products for medical device, animal health, cosmetic, personal care, and industrial uses.