Patent ID: 6783543
Filing Date: 2004-08-31
Classification: A61F,Y10T

Abstract:
An expandable stent, comprising:a tubular structure including an outer surface positionable adjacent to a vessel wall, an inner surface facing a lumen of a body passageway, a plurality of expansion struts that are substantially parallel to each other, connector struts, and cells, the tubular structure having a first diameter that permits intraluminal delivery of the tubular structure into the body passageway, and a second expanded and deformed diameter upon the application from the interior of the tubular member of a radially, outwardly extending force; and a plurality of cavities formed in the outer surface of the stent wherein the plurality of cavities are micro-holes or micro-slits that extend from the outer surface through the inner surface, and wherein the micro-holes or micro-slits are configured to provide a plurality of reservoirs for a substance; and a substance contained in said reservoirs.