| abstract |
A system for controlled release, site-specific delivery of therapeutic agents, particularly myocardial agents such as antiarrhythmic agents, comprises a biocompatible polymeric patch (30) with an incorporated therapeutic agent for direct placement at the epicardium of heart (31). The dosage form is fabricated so as to tailor the release characteristics as required by the nature of the physical condition desired to be treated. In a specific illustrative embodiment, ibutilide, a potent, but toxic, Class III antiarrhythmic agent, is incorporated in polyurethane and solvent-cast to form a monolithic drug delivery device which can be co-implanted with an implantable cardiac defibrillator. Advantageously, very low doses of ibutilide administered directly to the epicardium in this manner produces a reduction in defibrillation threshold. |