| abstract |
A method for preparing an elution delivery system for a reagent, the method comprising depositing a polymeric substance onto a substrate by a plasma polymerisation process in which a plasma is pulsed, so as produce a coating thereon. In one embodiment the substrate comprises said reagent, and in another embodiment the reagent is subsequently absorbed into the coating, provided that the reagent is other than an amino acid or peptide. Also claimed is the reagent delivery system obtained by the method, and a method of using this system for the controlled release of a reagent from the substrate. Preferably the substrate comprises a medical device such as a stent, and preferably the reagent is a therapeutic substance such as one useful in oncology. The polymeric substance is preferably polylactide, polyethylene oxide or polyurethane. |