Drug release stent coating process
AssigneeSchneider (USA) Inc.
InventorsNi Ding, Michael N. Helmus
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Abstract
A method of coating implantable open lattice metallic stent prosthesis is disclosed which includes sequentially applying a plurality of relatively thin outer layers of a coating composition comprising a solvent mixture of uncured polymeric silicone material and crosslinker and finely divided biologically active species, possibly of controlled average particle size, to form a coating on each stent surface. The coatings are cured in situ and the coated, cured prosthesis are sterilized in a step that includes preferred pretreatment with argon gas plasma and exposure to gamma radiation electron beam, ethylene oxide, steam.
Claims18
A method of coating at least a portion of an implantable prosthesis, having at least one opening therein, with a hydrophobic elastomeric material incorporating an amount of biologically active material therein for timed delivery therefrom comprising the steps of:
- (a) applying a coating comprising the elastomeric material, a solvent and an amount of finely divided biologically active material onto at least a portion of the prosthesis;
- wherein when the biologically active material is particulate the average particle size of the biologically active material is less than or equal to about 15 .mu.m;
- and wherein the coating is applied to the prosthesis in a manner to adheringly conform thereto to preserve the opening;
- and
- (b) curing the coating such that at least some of the biologically active material is particulate after curing.
A method of controlling the delivery of an eluting material incorporated in an elastomeric coating having at least one layer on at least a portion of an implantable prosthesis having at least one opening therein, the method comprising incorporating a biologically active particulate material having an average particle size of less than or equal to about 15 .mu.m into at least one layer of the coating and applying the elastomeric coating in a manner which adheringly conforms to the surface to preserve the opening;
- and curing the coating such that at least some of the biologically active material is particulate after curing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.