| abstract |
The present invention is directed to a method in which a supercritical fluid that comprises a carrier fluid and a biologically active agent is brought into contact with medical article that comprises a nanoporous surface region. A variety of medical articles may be used in the practice of the present invention, including implantable or insertable medical devices such as bone plates, joint prostheses, vascular grafts, stent grafts, stents, catheters, guide wires, balloons, filters, vascular patches, shunts, and coils, among others. The nanoporous surface region may be, for example, metallic, ceramic, or polymeric in nature. Examples of biologically active agents include antirestenotic agents and agents that promote tissue adhesion, among others. Carbon dioxide is one of many carrier fluids that may be employed. |