Patent ID: 6306422
Filing Date: 2001-10-23
Classification: A61K,A61L

Abstract:
A method for the controlled release of an agent, wherein said method comprises the step of releasing said agent from an indwelling medical device comprising a cross-linking polymer matrix;wherein said agent is released from said polymer matrix at a pH range of 0-7;wherein said polymer matrix comprises acrylic acid or a mixture of acrylic acid and methyl methacrylate;wherein said indwelling medical device is selected from the group consisting of heart valves, pacemakers, microspheres, artificial joints, intravenous catheters, intraarterial catheters, gastrointestinal tubes, intrauterine devices, diaphragms, urinary catheters, stents, shunts, and contact lenses; andwherein when said matrix comprises a mixture of methyl methacrylate and acrylic acid, said mixture comprises a ratio of methyl methacrylate to acrylic acid (MMA:AA) ranging from 9:1 to 1:9.