High-performance polymers: Optimizing catheter mechanical properties and flexibility. High-performance polymer materials, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimide (PI), and polyurethane (PU), play a crucial role in catheters due to their excellent mechanical strength and resistance to chemical corrosion. The unique properties of these polymer materials allow for sufficient mechanical strength with relatively thin-walled designs, ensuring greater flexibility and guidance of catheters in cardiovascular interventional procedures. PEEK is particularly suitable for high-load catheter applications. Studies have shown that PEEK exhibits significant durability in high-pressure procedures such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Compared to traditional materials such as stainless steel, PEEK also has good radioactivity, which is especially important in complex surgeries, helping surgeons to locate the catheter in real time, thereby improving operational precision. Furthermore, polyimide and polyether block amide (PEBA) are also widely used in catheter designs requiring high flexibility and thermal stability, supporting catheter navigation in complex cardiac structures and reducing tissue trauma. Biocompatible Materials: Enhancing Thrombosis Prevention and Tissue Compatibility Biocompatible materials play a crucial role in catheter design, particularly in reducing thrombus formation and immune responses. Materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) exhibit excellent low-friction properties when used as coatings, effectively reducing platelet adhesion. Studies show that PTFE coatings significantly reduce the risk of thrombus formation in cardiac interventional procedures such as TEER (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Repair) and LAAO (Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion). The application of silicone rubber further reduces the material's impact on surrounding tissues. The high biocompatibility and antibacterial properties of this flexible material contribute to its good performance in long-term implantation and also play a positive role in reducing the risk of infection. Furthermore, silicone rubber can be combined with antibacterial agents to form antibacterial catheters, further reducing the probability of postoperative infection. Notably, hydrophilic coatings also show positive effects in reducing thrombus formation. Studies indicate that hydrophilic coatings have significant advantages in cardiovascular interventional applications, reducing friction and the risk of platelet adhesion, and significantly improving postoperative outcomes. Absorbable Polymers: Ideal Material Choice for Short-Term Implantation Absorbable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA) provide temporary support for catheters. Their harmless metabolites, generated after decomposition in the body, eliminate the need for secondary surgery for removal. These materials are suitable for catheter applications requiring short-term implantation, such as left atrial appendage occlusion. Studies have shown that the degradation rate of absorbable polymers in the body is well-matched to the patient's metabolic status, reducing the risk of long-term complications. With the diversification of needs among SHD patients, the advantages of absorbable catheters are becoming increasingly apparent. They gradually degrade and are absorbed after short-term treatment, reducing the potential adverse effects of catheter residues on cardiac tissue and lowering the probability of long-term postoperative complications. Smart Materials and Nanocomposite Materials: Cutting-Edge Innovations in Catheter Technology The application of smart materials and nanocomposite materials in catheter technology is gradually changing the way structural heart disease is treated. Shape memory polymers can recover a preset shape under external stimuli (such as temperature or pressure), making catheters more adaptable in complex surgeries. Catheters using these materials can expand or bend during surgery to adapt to different anatomical structures within the heart, providing surgeons with greater operational flexibility and control. Nanocomposite materials endow catheters with additional functions such as antibacterial properties and enhanced mechanical strength. For example, catheter coatings containing silver nanoparticles can significantly reduce bacterial adhesion and prevent postoperative infection. According to a study in *Advanced Medical Materials*, the application of silver nanoparticles in catheters has a positive effect on reducing infection rates, especially in cases of long-term implantation, demonstrating higher biosafety and effectiveness.

The future market and development prospects of the structural heart disease catheter market are projected to maintain rapid growth. According to the *Global Vision Study*, demand for high-performance catheters will increase in the coming years, with catheters for cardiovascular surgery accounting for a significant share. With advancements in materials technology, such as the combination of biodegradable materials and personalized treatment technologies, future SHD catheter technology will be more precise and safer, promising a broad market prospect. Advances in smart materials will make personalized treatment possible, further improving the adaptability and biocompatibility of catheters, providing safer and more effective treatment options for patients worldwide.