| abstract |
The invention relates to a directional drug delivery stent which includes an elongated or tubular member having a cavity containing a biologically active agent. In one embodiment, the active agent is diffused from the reservoir directly to the walls of a body lumen, such as a blood vessel, through directional delivery openings arranged on an outer surface of the elongated member. Another variation of the stent includes an osmotic engine assembly for controlling the delivery of the active agent from the reservoir. The drugs which may be applied by the directional delivery stent include, but are not limited to, steroids, anti-inflammatory agents, restenosis preventing drugs, anti-thrombotic drugs, and tissue growth regulating drugs. The invention also relates to a method of using the directional drug delivery stent. |