Concentration Gradient Profiles For Control of Agent Release Rates From Polymer Matrices
AssigneeAdvanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
InventorsSyed F.A. Hossainy, Fuh-Wei Tang, Andrew F. McNiven, Joseph J. Eppert, Gregory J. Kevorkian
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Abstract
The present invention generally encompasses methods of coating which control of the release rate of agents from a polymeric matrix. This control over the release rate of agents provides for control over, inter alia, the therapeutic, prophylactic, diagnostic, and ameliorative effects that are realized by a patient in need of such treatment. In addition, the control of the release rate of agents also has an effect upon the mechanical integrity of the polymeric matrix, as well as a relationship to a subject's absorption rate of the absorbable polymers.
Claims16
A method of coating a medical device, the method comprising:
- providing a polymer and an agent;
- providing a solvent;
- providing the medical device, the medical device having a surface;
- forming a solution or dispersion of the polymer and the agent and optionally other materials;
- applying the solution or dispersion to the surface of the medical device;
- removing the solvent by freeze drying or critical point drying;
- and
- repeating the operations of applying the solution or dispersion to the surface of the medical device and removing the solvent by freeze drying or critical point drying until a desired coating thickness is achieved.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.