| abstract |
The present invention relates to coatings with crystallized active agent(s) and related methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for coating a medical device including selecting a solvent and a polymer, selecting a concentration of an active agent of at least a certain amount of saturation, forming a coating composition having the selected concentration of the active agent, and applying the coating composition to the medical device. In an embodiment, the invention includes an elution control coating disposed on a medical device, the elution control coating including a polymer, and an active agent, wherein the active agent is at least about 80% crystallized within one week of being disposed on the medical device. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for enhancing the formation of active agent crystals within a coating layer including forming a coating solution and adjusting the concentration of the active agent in the coating solution to reach some percentage of the active agent saturation point. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of enhancing crystallization of an active agent, the method including forming a coating solution comprising a polymer, an active agent, and a solvent; applying the coating solution to a substrate; and increasing the rate of active agent nucleation within the coating. |