System and method for loading a beneficial agent into holes in a medical device
A system for loading a beneficial agent into holes in a medical device includes a punch system for punching plugs of beneficial agent from a thin sheet into the holes in the medical device. The loading of a beneficial agent in the form of a thin film allows the formation of multilayered structures within the holes to control release kinetics and prevent any meniscus which occurs when a beneficial agent is deposited as a liquid in the holes and dried. The punch type loading system also can provide the ability to deliver large and potentially sensitive molecules including proteins, enzymes, antibodies, antisense, ribozymes, gene/vector constructs, and cells including endothelial cells.
1 . A method for loading a medical device with a beneficial agent, the method comprising:
providing a medical device with an exterior surface and a plurality of holes intersecting the exterior surface;
providing a film of a beneficial agent; and
pressing plugs of the film into the holes in the medical device.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein beneficial agent includes a drug and a carrier.
3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the carrier is a polymer.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the method creates a medical device with substantially no beneficial agent on a surface of the medical device outside of the holes.
5 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising securing the plugs of film in the holes by liquefying a portion of the plugs.
6 . The method of claim 5 , wherein the portion of the plugs are liquefied with a solvent vapor.
7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of holes of the medical device and the plurality of fixture holes have a width of about 0.001 inches to about 0.1 inches.
8 . The method of claim 5 , wherein portion of the plugs are liquefied by heating.
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the beneficial agent includes a solvent.
10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the film of beneficial agent is a multilayer sheet.
11 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of holes in the medical device are through holes.
12 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the medical device is a coronary stent.
13 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the beneficial agent is a protein.
14 . A system for loading a medical device with a beneficial agent, the system comprising:
a holder for supporting a medical device having a plurality of holes for receiving a beneficial agent;
a film of a beneficial agent; and
at least one punch configured to press plugs of the film into the holes in the medical device.
15 . The system of claim 14 , wherein the beneficial agent includes a drug and a carrier.
16 . The system of claim 14 , wherein the medical device is a stent.