Metallic structures incorporating bioactive materials and methods for creating the same

Abstract

Disclosed herein are methods to create medical devices and medical devices including bioactive composite structures. The methods include using electroless and electrophoretic deposition and codeposition methods for providing implantable medical devices coated with bioactive composite structures. In one use, the implantable medical devices of the present invention include stents with bioactive composite structures.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 701,262, filed on Nov. 3, 2003, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to electroless and electrophoretic deposition and codeposition methods for providing implantable medical devices coated with bioactive composite structures. The present invention also provides methods for creating different concentrations of bioactive materials in different portions or layers of the bioactive composite structure through the use of electroless and / or electrophoretic codeposition processes. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] In many circumstances, it is beneficial for an implanted medical device to release a bioactive material into the body once the device has been implanted. Such released bioactive materials can enhance the treatment offered by the implantable medical device,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The present invention addresses many of the drawbacks associated with previously-available methods of loading bioactive materials onto implantable medical devices by loading bioactive materials directly into a metallic layer formed on the surface of the implantable medical device. Loading bioactive materials directly into a metallic layer is advantageous for many reasons. First, the deposited metallic layer or layers, unlike polymers, are not pro-thrombotic or pro-inflammatory. Because polymers are not used to carry the bioactive materials, once the bioactive materials have eluted from the implantable medical device, only bare metal, which is not pro-thrombotic or pro-inflammatory, is left behind. Thus, no negative effects of including the bioactive materials are left behind once the bioactive materials have fully eluted. Second, when a metallic layer is deposited onto an implantable medical device that is also made from a metal, the metallic layer and underlying device do not have substantially different characteristics, so the risk of separation is diminished significantly. Third, deposition of a metallic layer in accordance with the methods of the present invention allows for an even coating of implantable medical devices regardless of their size or geometry. Fourth, harsh processing conditions that may damage bioactive materials during the coating or loading process are not required and the ability to control the percentage of bioactive materials present within or around the metallic layer can be easily controlled. Finally, the methods according to embodiments of the present invention are economical and scaleable, and are more cost-effective than other methods of forming bioactive composite structures.

Problems solved by technology

Second, when a metallic layer is deposited onto an implantable medical device that is also made from a metal, the metallic layer and underlying device do not have substantially different characteristics, so the risk of separation is diminished significantly.