| abstract |
The present invention relates generally to stents (2) having delivery matrices which provide for the controlled release of bioactive substances. The delivery matrices comprise porous and erodible filaments (54), and multiple filaments may be employed in order to release different bioactive substances and/or the same bioactive substance at different delivery rates. The stents (2) are particularly useful for preventing restenosis of dilated body lumens, such as blood vessels. Methods for preventing stenosis of dilated body lumens or locally delivering bioactive compounds to tissue are also provided. |