| abstract |
A medical device is provided that is always in the body for implantation into a vascular or luminal structure that stimulates positive vascular remodeling. Medical devices, such as stents and synthetic grafts, are coated with pharmaceutical compositions consisting of a controlled-release matrix and one or more drug substances for direct delivery of the drug to surrounding tissue. Coatings on medical devices further include ligands such as peptides, antibodies or small molecules to capture progenitor endothelial cells in the blood-contacting surface of the device in order to restore the endothelium at the site of injury. In particular, drug-coated stents are used in procedures such as balloon angioplasty to prevent or inhibit restenosis. |