Implantable drug delivery prosthesis
US6979347B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 23, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 27, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 23, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L2300/44
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and associated method for delivering a therapeutic substance to a vascular lumen, using an implantable prosthesis, such as a stent, which has grooves or trenches formed thereon. The grooves are formed on specific regions of the stent struts to increase the flexibility of the stent. The grooves also provide a therapeutic material carrying capability for treating intravascular ailments, such as instent restenosis and thrombosis. The therapeutic material loading of the grooves can be accomplished in several ways. For example, a pure therapeutic material or a pre-mixed material with a polymer solution, which enhances the adhesion properties of the material, may be deposited directly in to the grooves using conventional spray or modified dip techniques. In another example, a microextruded monofilament therapeutic material can be wound about the stent, such that the monofilament becomes embedded in the grooves.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.