Patent ID: 6652581
Filing Date: 2003-11-25
Classification: A61F,A61L

Abstract:
A method of making a stent having at least a portion for insertion or implantation into the body of a patient, wherein the stent comprises a sidewall, and wherein the sidewall comprises a plurality of wire-like elements and openings in the sidewall, and wherein at least a part of the wire-like elements is formed from a porous material having a plurality of voids therein to release at least one biologically active agent therefrom, the method comprising loading the porous material with the biologically active agent bya) forming a solution or suspension of the biologically active agent; b) placing the stent into the solution or suspension; c) placing an electrode in the solution or suspension; d) applying an electric current to the stent and the electrode; and e) allowing at least some of the biologically active agent to be loaded into the voids, and wherein at least a portion of the biologically active agent is releaseable from the stent upon insertion into the body.