Importance

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Abstract

A minimally invasive bioactivated endoprosthesis device for vessel repair. The device comprises a stent which is formed from metal or polymers into a predetermined shape which may include a plurality of holes patterned with a desired size, shape and number. The stent is then coated with a polymer or is formed from a polymer which contains a bioactive substance which achieves an equilibrium with the surrounding body tissues or fluids, with the equilibrium being controlled by charge distribution, concentration and molecular weight of the bioactive substance in relation to the pore size of the polymeric carrier for controlled prolonged release of said bioactive substance. The bioactive substance may be selected from the group of heparin, hirudin, prostacyclenes and analogs thereof, antithrombogenic agents, steroids, ibuprofen, antimicrobials, antibiotics, tissue plasma activators, rifamicin, monoclonal antibodies, snake venom protein by-products, antifibrosis agents, hyaluronte, cyclosporine and mixtures of these bioactive substances for simultaneous multiple treatments. The stent itself may take several distinct configurations. Preferred is a stent which comprises a substructure selected from flat sheets, flat sheets having holes therein, meshes and stent frames having a sheath thereon, and the substructure is coated with a polymer embedded with a bioactive substance. The stent may be either self-expandable or mechanically expandable, such as by a balloon or other device.

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First Claim