| abstract |
A coated implantable medical device includes a structure adapted for introduction into the vascular system, esophagus, trachea, colon, biliary tract, or urinary tract; at least one coating layer positioned on one surface of the structure; and at least one layer of a bioactive material positioned on at least a portion of the coating layer, wherein the coating layer provides for the controlled release of the bioactive material from the coating layer. In addition, at least one porous layer can be positioned over the bioactive material layer, wherein the porous layer includes a polymer and provides for the controlled release of the bioactive material therethrough. Preferably, the structure is a coronary stent. The porous layer includes a polymer applied preferably by vapor or plasma deposition and provides for a controlled release of the bioactive material. It is particularly preferred that the polymer is a polyamide, parylene or a parylene derivative, which is deposited without solvents, heat or catalysts, and merely by condensation of a monomer vapor. |