abstract |
A medical device, such as a stent, for delivering a biologically active material to body tissue of a patient and a method of making such a medical device are disclosed. The medical device has a tubular sidewall, wherein the sidewall is comprised of a plurality of struts each having an outer surface, an inner surface opposite the outer surface, and at least one side surface adjacent to and connecting the outer and inner surfaces. The outer surface or the inner surface is covered at least in part with a first coating comprising a first polymeric material and a first coating material, such as a biologically active material, e.g., paclitaxel, paclitaxel analogues, paclitaxel derivatives, or a combination thereof. The outer surface or inner surface not covered with the first coating is covered with a second coating comprising a second polymeric material and that is substantially free of the first coating material. Preferably, the first coating is applied to the outer surface of the strut. The disclosed method allows for greater efficiency and control in applying a biologically active material on the medical device and reduces patient exposure to unnecessary amounts of the biologically active material. |