| abstract |
An implantable prosthesis, for example a stent, is provided that is capable of being loaded with substances for subsequent application to biological tissues. In one example, the prosthesis is a cylindrical-shaped body having depots or pores formed thereon. The depots can be formed at preselected locations on the body of the prosthesis and can have a preselected depth, size, and shape. The deports can have various shapes including a cylindrical or a conical shape. Substances such as therapeutic substances, polymeric materials, polymeric materials containing therapeutic substances, radioactive isotopes, and radiopaque materials can be deposited into the depots. A method of loading a substance into the prosthesis having depots or pores is also provided. A first fluid in combination with an added substance is applied to the porous prosthesis. During the application, the first fluid containing the substance is capable of penetrating into prosthesis pores. The first fluid is removed and a second fluid is applied to the prosthesis.The second fluid is not capable of significantly penetrating into the pores. Prior to the application of the second fluid, the prosthesis can be immersed in a third fluid and agitated via mechanical perturbation techniques so that any of the substance gathered on the surface of the body, after the application of the first fluid, is removed. The third fluid should not be capable of dissolving the substance. |