| abstract |
A therapeutic system and a method that use stents, and/or other implantable devices, for local delivery of a therapeutic agent is disclosed. A therapeutic formulation may include particles of a biocompatible magnetic or magnetizable material that carry the therapeutic agent, or magnetically responsive cells. The therapeutic formulation is intravenously administered to a mammalian subject. A portion of the formulation is delivered to the proximity of a device implanted in the vascular system of the subject by externally generating a magnetic field gradient on the implantable device. The portion of the therapeutic formulation not delivered to the proximity of the implantable device is removed from the vascular system. The method allows for the repeated administration of the same or different therapeutic agent, and, further, has the option of locally injecting, or alternatively, peripherally administering, the therapeutic agent. |