A RATE-REDUCING MEMBRANE FOR RELEASE OF AN AGENT
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a coating disposed on an implantable device, one
example of which is a stent, for reducing the release rate of an agent carried by the
device.
Description of the Background
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is a procedure for
treating heart disease. A catheter assembly having a balloon portion is introduced
percutaneously into the cardiovascular system of a patient via the brachial or
femoral artery. The catheter assembly is advanced through the coronary
vasculature until the balloon portion is positioned across the occlusive lesion. Once in position across the lesion, the balloon is inflated to a predetermined size to
remodel the vessel wall. The balloon is then deflated to a smaller profile to allow
the catheter to be withdrawn from the patient' s vasculature.
A problem associated with the above procedure includes formation of intimal flaps or torn arterial linings, which can collapse and occlude the conduit
after the balloon is deflated. Nasospasms and recoil of the vessel wall also threaten
vessel closure. Moreover, thrombosis and restenosis of the artery may develop
over several months after the procedure, wliich may necessitate another angioplasty
procedure or a surgical by-pass operation. To reduce the partial or total occlusion
of the artery by the collapse of arterial lining and to reduce the chance of the development of thrombosis and restenosis, an expandable, intraluminal prosthesis,
one example of which is a stent, is implanted in the lumen to maintain the vascular
patency.
Stents act as scaffoldings, functioning to physically hold open and, if desired, to expand the wall of the passageway. Typically, stents are capable of
being compressed so that they can be inserted through small lumens via catheters
and then expanded to a larger diameter once they are at the desired location.
Examples in the patent literature disclosing stents that have been applied in PTCA
procedures include U.S. Patent No. 4,733,665 issued to Pal az, U.S. Patent No. 4,800,882 issued to Gianturco, and U.S. Patent No. 4,886,062 issued to Wi tor.
Mechanical intervention via stents has reduced the rate of restenosis as compared
to balloon angioplasty. Yet, restenosis is still a significant clinical problem with
rates ranging from 20-40%. When restenosis does occur in the stented segment, its treatment can be challenging, as clinical options are more limited as compared to lesions that were treated solely with a balloon.
Stents are used not only for mechanical intervention but also as vehicles for
providing biological therapy. Biological therapy can be achieved by medicating the
stents. Medicated stents provide for the local administration of a therapeutic substance at the diseased site. In order to provide an efficacious concentration to
the treated site, systemic administration of such medication often produces adverse
or even toxic side effects for the patient. Local delivery is a preferred method of
treatment in that smaller total levels of medication are administered in comparison
to systemic dosages, but are concentrated at a specific site. Local delivery thus
produces fewer side effects and achieves more favorable results.
One proposed method for medicating stents included use of a heparin-
coated metallic stent, whereby a heparin coating was ionically or covalently bonded
to the stent. Significant disadvantages associated with the aforementioned method
include loss of the therapeutic substance from the body of the stent during delivery
and expansion of the stent as well as lack of control of the release rate of the
substance from the stent.
Another proposed method of medicating stents involved the use of a
polymeric carrier coated onto the surface of the stent. A composition including a
solvent, a polymer dissolved in the solvent, and a therapeutic substance dispersed in the blend is applied to the stent by immersing the stent in the composition or by spraying the composition onto the stent. The solvent is allowed to evaporate,
leaving on the stent strut surfaces a coating of the polymer and the therapeutic
substance impregnated in the polymer.
Depending on the physiological mechanism targeted, the therapeutic
substance may be required to be released at an efficacious concentration for an
extended duration of time. Increasing the quantity of the therapeutic substance in
the polymeric coating can lead to poor coating mechanical properties, inadequate
coating adhesion, and overly rapid rate of release. Increasing the quantity of the polymeric compound by producing a thicker coating can perturb the geometrical
and mechanical functionality of the stent as well as limit the procedures for which
the stent can be used.
It is desirable to increase the residence time of a substance at the site of
implantation, at a therapeutically useful concentration, without needing to add a
greater percentage of the therapeutic substance to the polymeric coating and without needing to apply a significantly thicker coating.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method of forming a coating for a medical device, such as a stent, carrying an agent is
provided. The method includes applying a first composition including a polymer
to at least a portion of a medical device to form a first polymeric coating. The
polymer has a solubility parameter not greater than approximately 11.5 (cal/cm ) . The first polymeric coating reduces the rate of release of the agent from the medical device. In some embodiments of the method, the polymer of the first
coating additionally has an equilibrium water absorption factor of less than about
5% by weight under physiologic conditions.
Also provided is a composition for forming a coating on a medical device. The composition includes a solvent and a hydrophobic polymer dissolved in the
solvent. The hydrophobic polymer has an equilibrium water absorption factor of
less than about 5% by weight under physiological conditions. In some
embodiments, the hydrophobic polymer additionally has a solubility parameter not greater than approximately 11.5 (cal/cm3)1/2.
An implantable medical device for carrying a therapeutic agent is also
provided. The device includes a first coating including a polymeric material. The
polymeric material has a solubility parameter not greater than approximately 11.5
(cal/cm3)1/2' The first coating reduces the rate of release of the agent. In some
embodiments, the polymeric material additionally has an equilibrium water absorption factor of less than about 5% by weight under physiologic conditions.
Polymeric material suitable for use in the first coating of the present
invention include hydrophobic and non-polar polymers such as, but not limited to,
polytetrafluoroethylene, perfluoro elastomers, amorphous fluoropolymer, ethylene-
tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, fluoroethylene-alkyl vinyl ether copolymer, polyhexafluoropropylene, low density linear polyethylenes having high molecular
weights, ethylene-olefin copolymers, atactic polypropylene, polyisobutene,
polybutylenes, styrene-ethylene-styrene block copolymers, styrene-butylene-styrene
block copolymers, styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymers, styrene-
butadiene-styrene block copolymers, ethylene-anhydride copolymers, ethylene
vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, ethylene methacrylic acid copolymers, polyurethanes with a polydimethylsiloxane soft segment, and
cross-linked silicone elastomers.
The medical device can be, for example, a balloon-expandable stent, a self- expandable stent, a graft, a stent graft. The medical device can include cavities containing an active ingredient for the release of the active ingredient when the
device is implanted. Alternatively, the device can include a reservoir coating
carrying an active ingredient.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figure 1A illustrates a fluid on a solid substrate having a contact angle Φ^
Figure IB illustrates a fluid on a solid substrate having a contact angle Φ2;
Figure 2A illustrates a first coating deposited over an implantable medical
substrate in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2B illustrates a first coating deposited over an implantable medical substrate in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 2C illustrates a pair of coatings deposited over an implantable
medical substrate in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
Composition for Forming an Optional Primer Layer
The presence of an active ingredient in a polymeric matrix can interfere with the ability of the matrix to adhere effectively to the surface of the device.
Increasing the quantity of the active ingredient reduces the effectiveness of the
adhesion. High drug loadings of, for example, 10-40% by weight in the coating
can hinder the retention of the coating on the surface of the device. A primer layer
can serve as a functionally useful intermediary layer between the surface of the
device and an active ingredient-containing or reservoir coating. The primer layer provides an adhesive tie between the reservoir coating and the device ~ which, in
effect, would also allow for the quantity of the active ingredient in the reservoir coating to be increased without compromising the ability of the reservoir coating to be effectively contained on the device during delivery and, if applicable, expansion of the device.
The embodiments of the composition for an optional primer layer are prepared by conventional methods wherein all components are combined, then blended. More particularly, in accordance with one embodiment, a predetermined amount of a polymer or a prepolymer is added to a predetermined amount of a solvent or a combination of solvents. The mixture can be prepared at ambient pressure and under anhydrous atmosphere. Heating and stirring and/or mixing can be employed to effect dissolution of the polymer into the solvent.
"Polymer," "poly," and "polymeric" are defined as compounds that are the product of a polymerization reaction and are inclusive of homopolymers, copolymers, terpolymers etc., including random, alternating, block, and graft variations thereof. The polymers should have a high capacity of adherence to the surface of an implantable device, such as a metallic surface of a stent.
Representative examples of suitable polymeric materials include, but are not limited to, polyisocyanates, such as triisocyanurate and polyisocyanate polyether polyurethanes based on diphenylmethane diisocyanate; acrylates, such as copolymers of ethyl acrylate and methacrylic acid; titanates, such as tetra-iso- propyl titanate and tetra-n-butyl titanate; zirconates, such as n-propyl zirconate and n-butyl zirconate; silane coupling agents, such as 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and
(3-glydidoxypropyl) methyldiethoxysilane; high amine content polymers, such as
polyethyleneamine, polyallylamine, and polylysine; polymers with a high content of hydrogen bonding groups, such as polyethylene-co-polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene
vinyl acetate, and melamine formaldehydes; and unsaturated polymers and
prepolymers, such as polycaprolactone diacrylates, polyacrylates with at least two acrylate groups, and polyacrylated polyurethanes. With the use of unsaturated
prepolymers, a free radical or UN initiator can be added to the composition for the thermal or UN curing or cross-linking process, as is understood by one of ordinary
skill in the art.
Biocompatible polymers can also be used for the primer material. The polymer can be bioabsorbable or biostable. Bioabsorbable polymers that could be
used include poly(hydroxyvalerate), poly(L-lactic acid), polycaprolactone,
poly(lactide-co-glycolide), poly(hydroxybutyrate), poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-
valerate), polydioxanone, polyorthoester, polyanhydride, poly(glycolic acid),
poly(D,L-lactic acid), poly(glycolic acid-co-trimethylene carbonate), polyphosphoester, polyphosphoester urethane, poly(amino acids), cyanoacrylates,
poly(trimethylene carbonate), poly(iminocarbonate), copoly(ether-esters) (e.g.
PEO/PLA), polyalkylene oxalates, polyphosphazenes and biomolecules such as
fibrin, fibrinogen, cellulose, starch, collagen and hyaluronic acid. In addition, biostable polymers such as polyurethanes, silicones, and polyesters could be used. Other polymers could also be used if they can be dissolved and cured or
polymerized on the stent such as polyolefins, polyisobutylene and ethylene-
alphaolefm copolymers; acrylic polymers and copolymers; vinyl halide polymers
and copolymers, such as polyvinyl chloride; polyvinyl ethers, such as polyvinyl
methyl ether; polyvinylidene halides, such as polyvinylidene fluoride and
polyvinylidene chloride; polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl ketones; polyvinyl aromatics,
such as polystyrene; polyvinyl esters, such as polyvinyl acetate; copolymers of
vinyl monomers with each other and olefins, such as ethylene-methyl methacrylate
copolymers, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymers, ABS resins, and ethylene-vinyl
acetate copolymers; polyamides, such as Nylon 66 and polycaprolactam; alkyd
resins; polycarbonates; polyoxymethylenes; polyimides; polyethers; epoxy resins; polyurethanes; rayon; rayon-triacetate; cellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose
butyrate; cellulose acetate butyrate; cellophane; cellulose nitrate; cellulose
propionate; cellulose ethers; and carboxymethyl cellulose.
Ethylene vinyl alcohol is a very suitable choice of polymer for the primer layer. The copolymer possesses good adhesive qualities to the surface of a stent,
particularly stainless steel surfaces, and has illustrated the ability to expand with a
stent without any significant detachment of the copolymer from the surface of the stent. Ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, commonly known by the generic name
ENOH or by the trade name ENAL, refers to copolymers comprising residues of both ethylene and vinyl alcohol monomers. One of ordinary skill in the art
understands that ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer may also be a terpolymer so as
to include small amounts of additional monomers, for example less than about five
(5) mole percentage of styrenes, propylene, or other suitable monomers. In a useful embodiment, the copolymer comprises a mole percent of ethylene of from about
27% to about 48%. Ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymers are available commercially
from companies such as Aldrich Chemical Company, Milwaukee, Wis., or ENAL
Company of America, Lisle, IL, or can be prepared by conventional polymerization
procedures that are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
The solvent should be compatible with the polymer and should be capable of placing the polymer into solution at the concentration desired. Particularly
useful solvents should also be able to expand the chains of the polymer for
maximum interaction with the surface of the device, such as a metallic surface of a
stent. Examples of suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), chloroform, acetone, water (buffered saline), xylene, acetone, methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, tetrahydrofuran, 1-butanone,
dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, cyclohexanone, ethyl acetate,
methylethylketone, propylene glycol monomethylether, isopropanol, Ν-methyl pyrrolidinone, toluene and mixtures thereof.
By way of example, and not limitation, the polymer can comprise from
about 0.1% to about 35%, more narrowly from about 2% to about 20% by weight
of the total weight of the composition, and the solvent can comprise from about
65% to about 99.9%, more narrowly from about 80% to about 98% by weight of the total weight of the composition. A specific weight ratio is dependent on factors such as the material from which the implantable device is made, the geometrical
structure of the device, the choice of polymer-solvent combination, and the method
of application.
In accordance with another embodiment, a fluid can be added to the composition to enhance the wetting of the primer composition for a more uniform coating application. To enhance the wetting of the composition, a suitable fluid typically has a high capillary permeation. Capillary permeation or wetting is the movement of a fluid on a solid substrate driven by interfacial energetics. Capillary permeation is quantitated by a contact angle, defined as an angle at the tangent of a droplet in a fluid phase that has taken an equilibrium shape on a solid surface. A low contact angle indicates a higher wetting liquid. A suitably high capillary permeation corresponds to a contact angle less than about 90°. Figure 1 A illustrates a fluid droplet 10A on a solid substrate 12, for example a stainless steel surface. Fluid droplet 10A has a high capillary permeation that corresponds to a
contact angle Φls wliich is less than about 90°. In contrast, Figure IB illustrates a
■ fluid droplet 10B on solid substrate 12, having a low capillary permeation that
corresponds to a contact angle Φ2, which is greater than about 90°. The wetting
fluid, typically, should have a viscosity not greater than about 50 centipoise, narrowly about 0.3 to about 5 centipoise, more narrowly about 0.4 to about 2.5 centipoise. The wetting fluid, accordingly, when added to the composition, reduces the viscosity of composition.
The wetting fluid should be compatible with the polymer and the solvent and should not precipitate the polymer. The wetting fluid can also act as the solvent. Useful examples of the wetting fluid include, but are not limited to, tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethylformamide (DMF), 1-butanol, n-butyl acetate,
dimethyl acetamide (DMAC), and mixtures and combinations thereof. By way of
example and not limitation, the polymer can comprise from about 0.1% to about
35%, more narrowly from about 2%. to about 20% by weight of the total weight of
the composition; the solvent can comprise from about 19.9% to about 98.9%, more
narrowly from about 58% to about 84% by weight of the total weight of the
composition; and the wetting fluid can comprise from about 1% to about 80%,
more narrowly from about 5% to about 40% by weight of the total weight of the
composition. The specific weight ratio of the wetting fluid depends on the type of
polymer, solvent and wetting fluid employed as wells as the weight ratio of the
polymer and the solvent.
Composition for Forming an Active Ingredient-Containing Coating
The embodiments of the composition for an active ingredient-containing or
reservoir coating are prepared by conventional methods wherein all components are combined, then blended. More particularly, in accordance with one
embodiment, a predetermined amount of a polymeric compound is added to a
predetermined amount of a compatible solvent. The polymeric compound can be added to the solvent at ambient pressure and under anhydrous atmosphere. If
necessary, gentle heating and stirring and/or mixing can be employed to effect
dissolution of the polymer into the solvent, for example 12 hours in a water bath at
about 60° C.
Sufficient amounts of an active ingredient are dispersed in the blended composition of the polymer and the solvent. The polymer can comprise from about
0.1% to about 35%, more narrowly from about 2% to about 20% by weight of the
total weight of the composition, the solvent can comprise from about 59.9% to
about 99.8%, more narrowly from about 79% to about 89% by weight of the total
weight of the composition, and the active ingredient can comprise from about 0.1%
to about 40%, more narrowly from about 1% to about 9% by weight of the total
weight of the composition. More than 9% by weight of the active ingredient could
adversely affect characteristics that are desirable in the polymeric coating, such as
adhesion of the coating to the device. With the use of the optional primer layer,
weight ratios of more than 9% for the active ingredient are achievable without compromising the effectiveness of the adhesion. Selection of a specific weight ratio of the polymer and solvent is dependent on factors such as, but not limited to,
the material from which the device is made, the geometrical structure of the device,
and the type and amount of the active ingredient employed.
Optionally, a second solvent, such as tetrahydrofuran (THF) or
dimethylformamide (DMF), can be used to improve the solubility of an active
ingredient in the composition. The second solvent can be added to the composition
or the active ingredient can be added to the second solvent prior to admixture with
the blend. In this embodiment, the polymer can comprise from about 0.1% to
about 35%, more narrowly from about 2% to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the composition, the solvent can comprise from about 19.8% to about
98.8%, more narrowly from about 49% to about 79% by weight of the total weight
of the composition; the second solvent can comprise from about 1% to about 80%,
more narrowly from about 5% to about 40% by weight of the total weight of the composition; and the active ingredient can comprise from about 0.1% to about
40%, more narrowly from about 1% to about 9% by weight of the total weight of the composition. Selection of a specific weight ratio of the polymer, the solvent, and the second solvent is dependent on factors such as, but not limited to, the material from which the implantable device is made, the geometrical structure of
the device, and the type and amount of the active ingredient employed. The particular weight percentage of the active ingredient mixed within the composition depends on factors such as duration of the release, cumulative amount of release, and release rate that is desired.
The active ingredient should be in true solution or saturated in the blended composition. If the active ingredient is not completely soluble in the composition, operations including mixing, stirring, and/or agitation can be employed to effect homogeneity of the residues. The active ingredient can also be first added to the second solvent prior to admixing with the composition. The active ingredient may be added so that the dispersion is in fine particles. The mixing of the active ingredient can be conducted in an anhydrous atmosphere, at ambient pressure, and at room temperature such that supersaturating the active ingredient is not achieved.
The active ingredient may be any substance capable of exerting a therapeutic or prophylactic effect in the practice of the present invention. Examples of such active ingredients include antiproliferative, antineoplastic, antiinflammatory, antiplatelet, anticoagulant, antifibrin, antithrombin, antimitotic, antibiotic, and antioxidant substances as well as combinations thereof. A suitable example of an antiproliferative substance is actinomycin D, or derivatives and analogs thereof (manufactured by Sigma- Aldrich 1001 West Saint Paul Avenue,
Milwaukee, WI 53233; or COSMEGEN available from Merck). Synonyms of actinomycin D include dactinomycin, actinomycin IN, actinomycin Ila actinomycin Xi, and actinomycin Ci. Examples of suitable antineoplastics include paclitaxel and docetaxel. Examples of suitable antiplatelets, anticoagulants, antifibrins, and antithrombins include sodium heparin, low molecular weight heparin, hirudin, argatroban, forskolin, vapiprost, prostacyclin and prostacyclin analogs, dextran, D- phe-pro-arg-chloromethylketone (synthetic antithrombin), dipyridamole, glycoprotein Ilb/IIIa platelet membrane receptor antagonist, recombinant hirudin, thrombin inhibitor (available from Biogen), and 7E-3B® (an antiplatelet drug from Centocore). Examples of suitable antimitotic agents include methotrexate, azathioprine, vincristine, vinblastine, fluorouracil, adriamycin, and mutamycin. Examples of suitable cytostatic or antiproliferative agents include angiopeptin (a somatostatin analog from Ibsen), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors such as CAPTOPRIL (available from Squibb), CILAZAPRIL (available from Hoffman- LaRoche), or LISINOPRIL (available from Merck); calcium channel blockers (such as Nifedipine), colchicine, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) antagonists, histamine antagonist, LONASTATIN (an inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, a cholesterol lowering drug from Merck), monoclonal antibodies (such as PDGF receptors), nitroprusside, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, prostaglandin inhibitor (available form Glazo), Seramin (a PDGF antagonist), serotonin blockers, thioprotease inhibitors, triazolopyrimidine (a PDGF antagonist), and nitric oxide. Other therapeutic substances or agents that may be appropriate include alpha- interferon; genetically engineered epithelial cells; dexamethasone; rapamycin; estradiol; clobetasol propionate; cisplatin; and carboplatin. Exposure of the
composition to the active ingredient should not adversely alter the active
ingredient's composition or characteristic. Accordingly, the particular active
ingredient is selected for compatibility with the blended composition.
The dosage or concentration of the active ingredient required to produce a therapeutic effect should be less than the level at which the active ingredient
produces toxic effects and greater than the level at which non-therapeutic results
are obtained. The dosage or concentration of the active ingredient required to
inhibit the desired cellular activity of the vascular region, for example, can depend
upon factors such as the particular circumstances of the patient; the nature of the trauma; the nature of the therapy desired; the time over which the ingredient
administered resides at the vascular site; and if other bioactive substances are
employed, the nature and type of the substance or combination of substances.
Therapeutically effective dosages can be determined empirically, for example by infusing vessels from suitable animal model systems and using immunohistochemical, fluorescent or electron microscopy methods to detect the
agent and its effects, or by conducting suitable in vitro studies. Standard
pharmacological test procedures to determine dosages are understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art.
The polymer chosen should be biocompatible so as not to cause any adverse
response. The solvent chosen should be capable of placing the polymer into
solution at the concentration desired. Representative examples of biocompatible
polymers as well as of suitable solvents include those provided above with reference to the primer composition. With the use of a low ethylene content, e.g.,
29 mol%, ethylene vinyl alcohol, for example, a suitable solvent is iso- propylalcohol (IP A) admixed with water e.g., from about 40% to about 60% by weight IPA. If an optional primer layer is used, the choice of polymer for the reservoir coating can be the same as that selected for the primer so as to eliminate any interfacial incompatibilities.
Composition for Forming the Rate-Reducing Membrane
If it is desired to increase the rate at which an active ingredient diffuses through a membrane, the membrane should be made of a polymer in wliich the active ingredient readily dissolves. By contrast, if it is desired to decrease the rate at which an active ingredient diffuses through a membrane, the membrane should be made of a polymer in which the active ingredient is less soluble. The purpose of the rate-reducing membrane of the present invention is to decrease the rate of release of an underlying active ingredient. Accordingly, the polymer for forming the rate-reducing membrane should be selected such that the active ingredient may not readily dissolve therein.
Polar substances are substances that have a dipole moment μ greater than 0 Debye. As a general rule, polar substances dissolve well in other polar substances, such as water. Accordingly, polar substances can be broadly categorized as "hydrophilic." Polar substances typically dissolve less readily in non-polar substances, which can be broadly categorized as "hydrophobic." The syllogism follows that a polar active ingredient will not readily dissolve in a hydrophobic polymer. Accordingly, a polymeric membrane that is hydrophobic may be
employed to reduce the rate at which a polar active ingredient is released from an
implantable device, such as a stent.
One method of defining the hydrophobicity of a polymer is by the solubility
parameter of the polymer. The solubility parameter is represented by Equation 1 :
δ = (ΔE/N)1/2 (Equation 1)
where δ = solubility parameter ((cal/cm3)1 2) ΔE = energy of vaporization (cal) N = molar volume (cm3)
("Polymer Handbook", 2nd Ed., Brandrup J. and EH Immergut, ed., Wiley-
Interscience, John Wiley & Sons, Ν.Y. (1975)). Because polymers are typically non- volatile and thus cannot be vaporized without decomposition, the solubility parameter is measured indirectly. Briefly, solvents in wliich a polymer dissolves
without a change in heat or volume are identified. The solubility parameter of the
polymer is then defined to be the same as the solubility parameters of the identified solvents.
As a general rule, the value of the solubility parameter δ is inversely
proportional to the degree of hydrophobicity of a polymer. Polymers that are very
hydrophobic may have a low solubility parameter value. This general proposition
is particularly applicable for polymers having a glass transition temperature below
physiological temperature. A polymer that is sufficiently hydrophobic for use in the rate-limiting membrane of the present invention can have a solubility parameter
not more than about 11.5 (cal/cm3) m, more narrowly not more than about 10
(cal/cm3) I 2, even more narrowly not more than 8.5 (cal/cm3) 12.
Table 1 illustrates the solubility parameters of various polymers.
Table 1
Another method of defining the hydrophobicity of a polymer is by the
equilibrium moisture absorption factor. The equilibrium moisture absorption
factor is represented by Equation 2:
MAF = (Ww/Wp+Ww) x 100 (Equation 2)
where MAF = equilibrium moisture absorption factor (%)
Ww = weight of water taken up by the polymer when immersed in water or exposed to physiologic conditions Wp = weight of the polymer
Generally, the less water absorbed by a polymer, and thus the lower the equilibrium moisture absorption factor, the better the polymer functions as a diffusion barrier for a polar active ingredient. Upon absorption of water, a polymer can swell and the spaces between polymer chains can enlarge, allowing an active ingredient to diffuse more easily through the polymer. In addition, absorbed water provides an otherwise non-polar polymer with polar water groups. These polar regions more readily dissolve a polar active ingredient via hydrogen bonding interactions, thereby allowing the active ingredient to diffuse through the otherwise
non-polar polymer more quickly. Thus, a polymer that is sufficiently hydrophobic for use in the rate-limiting membrane of the present invention should have an equilibrium moisture absorption factor of less than about 5% by weight, more narrowly less than about 2%. Representative examples of such polymers include polytetrafluoroethylene, perfluoro elastomers, fluoropolymers such as polyvinylidene fluoride, etliylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, fluoroethylene- alkyl vinyl ether copolymer, polyhexafluoropropylene, low density linear polyethylenes having high molecular weights, ethylene-olefin copolymers, atactic polypropylene, polyisobutene, polybutylenes, polybutenes, styrene-ethylene-styrene block copolymers, styrene-butylene-styrene block copolymers, styrene- ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymers, styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers, ethylene-anhydride copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, polybutylmethacrylate, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers of low acrylic acid content, ethylene methacrylic acid copolymers of low methacrylic acid content, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymers with an ethylene content greater than 48 mole percent, and cross-linked silicone elastomers.
In addition to having a solubility parameter not more than about 11.5
(cal/cm3)1 2 and/or an equilibrium moisture absorption factor of less than about 5% by weight, the selected polymer should be biocompatible. The polymer should also
be capable of being placed into solution at a desired concentration by a selected
solvent, such as a non-polar solvent so as to prevent dissolution of the polar active
ingredient with the non-polar solvent. Prevention of dissolution of the active
ingredient during the coating process of the rate-limiting layer significantly reduces or eliminates the migration or leaching of the active component out from the
underlying reservoir layer or device. Accordingly, the quantity of active ingredient
will not be reduced during the application of the rate-limiting layer.
Fluoropolymers are a suitable choice for the barrier layer composition. For
example, the solubility parameter of polytetrafluoroethylene is about 6.2
(cal/cm ) , and the equilibrium moisture absorption factor is about 0.01%.
Solution processing of fluoropolymers is possible, particularly the low crystallinity
varieties such as CYTOP available from Asahi Glass and TEFLON AF available
from DuPont. Solutions of up to about 15%> (wt/wt) are possible in perfluoro solvents, such as FC-75 (available from 3M under the brand name FLUORINERT),
which are non-polar, low boiling solvents. Such volatility allows the solvent to be
easily and quickly evaporated following the application of the polymer-solvent solution to the medical device.
Another particularly suitable choice of polymer for the barrier layer composition is styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer. The solubility
parameter of this material lies in the range of from about 7.7 (cal/cm3) 1/2 to about
10.3 (cal/cm3)1 2, and the equilibrium moisture absorption factor is less than about 1%. Styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer, e.g., Kraton G-series, can be dissolved in non-polar solvents such as, but not limited to, toluene, xylene, and decalin.
Still other suitable choices of polymers for the rate-limiting membrane include, but are not limited to, ethylene-anhydride copolymers; ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers having, for example, a mol % of vinyl acetate of from about 9% to about 25%; and ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers having, for example, a mol % of acrylic acid of from about 2% to about 25%. The ethylene-anhydride copolymer available from Bynel adheres well to ENAL and thus would function well as a topcoat over a reservoir layer made from ENAL. The copolymer can be dissolved in organic solvents, such as dimethylsulfoxide and dimethylacetamide. Ethylene vinyl acetate polymers can be dissolved in organic solvents, such as toluene and n- butyl acetate. Ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers can be dissolved in organic solvents, such as methanol, isopropyl alcohol, and dimethylsulfoxide.
Yet another suitable choice of polymer for the rate-limiting membrane composition is a cross-linked silicone elastomer. Such substances have a solubility parameter in the range of about 7.3 (cal/cm3) 1/2 to about 7.6 (cal/cm3)1/2, and an equilibrium moisture absorption factor of less than about 0.5%. Loose silicone and silicone with very low cross-linking are thought to cause an inflammatory biological response. However, it is believed that a thoroughly cross-linked silicone elastomer, having low levels of leachable silicone polymer and oligomer, is an essentially non-inflammatory substance. Silicone elastomers, such as Νusil MED-
4750, MED-4755, or MED2-6640, having high tensile strengths, for example
between 1200 psi and 1500 psi, will likely have the best durability during
crimping, delivery, and expansion of a stent as well as good adhesion to a reservoir
layer, e.g., ENAL or the surface of a medical device.
The embodiments of the composition for a rate-reducing membrane or diffusion barrier layer are prepared by methods wherein all components are
combined, then blended. More particularly, in accordance with one embodiment, a
predetermined amount of a polymeric compound is added to a predetermined
amount of a compatible solvent. The selected solvent should be capable of placing the polymer into solution at the concentration desired.
The polymeric compound can be added to the solvent at ambient pressure
and under anhydrous atmosphere. If necessary, gentle heating and stirring and/or
mixing can be employed to effect dissolution of the polymer into the solvent, for example 12 hours in a water bath at about 60° C. The polymer can comprise from about 0.1% to about 35%), more narrowly from about 2% to about 20% by weight
of the total weight of the composition, and the solvent can comprise from about
65% to about 99.9%, more narrowly from about 80% to about 98% by weight of
the total weight of the composition. Selection of a specific weight ratio of the polymer and solvent is dependent on factors such as, but not limited to, the type of
polymer and solvent employed, the type of underlying reservoir layer, and the
method of application. Optionally, one of the aforementioned wetting fluids can also be added to the blend.
Examples of the Device
The device or prosthesis used in conjunction with the above-described compositions may be any suitable medical substrate that can be implanted in a human or veterinary patient. Examples of such implantable devices include self- expandable stents, balloon-expandable stents, stent-grafts, grafts, artificial heart valves, cerebrospinal fluid shunts, and pacemaker electrodes. The underlying structure of the device can be virtually any design. The device can be made of a metallic material or an alloy such as, but not limited to, cobalt chromium alloy (ELGILOY), stainless steel (316L), high nitrogen stainless steel, e.g., BIODUR 108, cobalt chrome alloy L-605, "MP35N," "MP20N," ELASTINITE (Nitinol), tantalum, nickel-titanium alloy, platinum-iridium alloy, gold, magnesium, or combinations thereof. "MP35N" and "MP20N" are trade names for alloys of cobalt, nickel, chromium and molybdenum available from standard Press Steel Co., Jenkintown, PA. "MP35N" consists of 35% cobalt, 35% nickel, 20% chromium, and 10% molybdenum. "MP20N" consists of 50% cobalt, 20% nickel, 20% chromium, and 10% molybdenum. Devices made from bioabsorbable or biostable polymers could also be used with the embodiments of the present invention.
It should be noted that the rate-reducing membrane or diffusion barrier layer in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention can be used without the active ingredient-containing coating. In such embodiments, the device may include cavities or micro-pores for containing the active ingredient such that the diffusion barrier layer is disposed over the cavities. The device can be formed by sintering the stent material from metallic particles, filaments, fibers or other
materials. The device can be formed from a sintered wire that is coiled or otherwise formed into a device. The prosthesis can also be formed from a sintered cylindrical tube or sintered metal sheet which can be laser cut or chemical etched into an expandable stent structure. Formation of cavities via a sintering process is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,843,172 to Yan. By way of another example, the surface of the device can be exposed to an etchant or a laser discharge to form cavities of selected dimensional specification.
Methods For Applying the Compositions to the Device
To form the optional primer layer and/or the active ingredient-containing coating on a surface of the device or prosthesis, the surface of the device should be clean and free from contaminants that may be introduced during manufacturing. However, the surface of the prosthesis requires no particular surface treatment to retain the applied coating. Application of the composition can be by any conventional method, such as by spraying the composition onto the prosthesis or by immersing the prosthesis in the composition. Operations such as wiping, centrifugation, blowing, or other web-clearing acts can also be performed to achieve a more uniform coating. Briefly, wiping refers to physical removal of excess coating from the surface of the stent; centrifugation refers to rapid rotation of the stent about an axis of rotation; and blowing refers to application of air at a selected pressure to the deposited coating. Any excess coating can also be vacuumed off the surface of the device. The addition of a wetting fluid leads to a consistent application of the composition wliich also causes the coating to be uniformly deposited on the surface of the prosthesis.
With the use of the thermoplastic polymers for the primer, such as ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, polycaprolactone, poly(lactide-co-glycolide), poly(hydroxybutyrate), etc., the deposited primer composition should be exposed to a heat treatment at a temperature range greater than about the glass transition temperature (Tg) and less than about the melting temperature (Tm) of the selected polymer. Unexpected results have been discovered with treatment of the composition under this temperature range, specifically strong adhesion or bonding of the coating to the metallic surface of a stent. The device should be exposed to the heat treatment for any suitable duration of time that would allow for the formation of the primer coating on the surface of the device as well as for the evaporation of the solvent or combination of solvent and wetting fluid. It is understood that essentially all of the solvent and the wetting fluid will be removed from the composition, but traces or residues may remain blended with the polymer.
Table 2 lists the Tg and Tm for some of the polymers used in the embodiments of the present invention. Tg and Tm of polymers are attainable by one of ordinary skill in the art. The cited exemplary temperature and time for exposure are provided by way of illustration and are not meant to be limiting.
Table 2
* Exact temperature depends on the degree of hydrolysis which is also known as the amount of residual acetate.
With the use of one of the aforementioned thermoset primer polymers, the
use of initiators may be required. By way of example, epoxy systems consisting of
diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A resins can be cured with amine curatives, thermoset
polyurethane prepolymers can cured with polyols, polyamines, or water (moisture),
and acrylated urethane can be cured with UN light. If baked, the temperature can
be above the Tg of the selected polymer.
With the use of the inorganic primer polymers, such as silanes, titanates, and zirconates, the solvent is allowed to evaporate.
The composition containing the active ingredient can be applied to a
designated region of the primer coating or the surface of the device. The solvent(s) or the combination of solvent(s) and the wetting fluid is removed from the composition by allowing the solvent(s) or combination of the solvent(s) and the
wetting fluid to evaporate. The evaporation can be induced by heating the device
at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time. For example,
the device can be heated at a temperature of about 60° C for about 12 hours to
about 24 hours. The heating can be conducted in an anhydrous atmosphere and at
ambient pressure and should not exceed the temperature which would adversely affect the active ingredient. The heating can, alternatively, be conducted under a
vacuum condition. It is understood that essentially all of the solvent and the
wetting fluid will be removed from the composition, but traces or residues may
remain blended with the polymer.
The diffusion barrier layer can be formed on a designated region of the
active ingredient-containing coating subsequent to the evaporation of the solvent(s)
or solvent(s)/wetting fluid and the drying of the polymer for the active ingredient-
containing coating. Alternatively, in embodiments in which a polymeric reservoir
coating is not employed, the rate-reducing membrane may be formed directly over active-ingredient containing cavities within the surface of the prosthesis. The
diffusion barrier layer can be applied by spraying the composition onto the device
or immersing the device in the composition, then drying the polymer. The above-
described processes can be similarly repeated for the formation of the diffusion barrier layer.
Coating
Some of the various embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by
Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C. The Figures have not been drawn to scale, and the
thickness of the various layers have been over or under emphasized for illustrative
purposes.
Referring to Figure 2A, a body of a medical substrate 20, such as a stent, is illustrated having a surface 22. Medical substrate 20 includes cavities or micro- pores 24 formed in the body for releasably containing an active ingredient, as
illustrated by dotted region 26. A diffusion barrier layer or rate-reducing membrane 28 is disposed on surface 22 of medical substrate 20, covering cavities 24. Diffusion barrier layer 28 functions to reduce the rate of release of an active ingredient from medical substrate 20.
Referring to Figure 2B, medical substrate 20 is illustrated having a primer layer 30 formed on surface 22. An active ingredient-containing or reservoir coating 32 is deposited on primer layer 30. Primer layer 30 serves as an intermediary layer for increasing the adhesion between reservoir coating 32 and surface 22. Increasing the amount of active ingredient admixed within the polymer diminishes the adhesiveness of reservoir layer 32 to surface 22. Accordingly, using an active ingredient-free polymer as an intermediary primer layer 30 allows for a higher active ingredient content for reservoir layer 32. Diffusion barrier 28 is formed over at least a selected portion of reservoir layer 32. One of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that diffusion barrier layer 28 can be deposited only on selected areas of reservoir layer 32 so as to provide a variety of selected release parameters. Such selected patterns may become particularly useful if a combination of active ingredients are used, each of which requires a different release parameter.
Figure 2C illustrates medical substrate 20 having a first reservoir layer 32A disposed on a selected portion of surface 22 of medical substrate 20. First reservoir
layer 32A contains a first active ingredient, e.g., actinomycin D. A second reservoir layer 32B can also be disposed on surface 22. Second reservoir layer 32B contains a second active ingredient, e.g., taxol. First and second reservoir layers 32A and 32B are covered by first and second diffusion barrier layers 28A and 28B, respectively. In accordance with one embodiment, the polymeric material from which diffusion barrier layer 28A is made can be different than the material from which diffusion barrier layer 28B is made. Accordingly, a wide array of release parameters can be obtained for any selected combination of active ingredients.
Diffusion barrier layer 28 can have any suitable thickness, as the thickness of diffusion barrier layer 28 is dependent on parameters such as, but not limited to, the desired rate of release and the procedure for which the stent will be used. Diffusion barrier layer 28 can have a thickness of about 0.1 to about 10 microns, more narrowly from about 0.25 to about 5 microns.
By way of example, and not limitation, the impregnated reservoir layer 32 can have a thickness of about 0.5 microns to about 1.5 microns. The particular thickness of reservoir layer 32 is based on the type of procedure for which medical substrate 20 is employed and the amount of the active ingredient to be delivered. The amount of the active ingredient to be included on the prosthesis can be further increased by applying a plurality of reservoir layers 32 on top of one another. The optional primer layer 30 can have any suitable thickness, examples of which can be in the range of about 0.1 to about 10 microns, more narrowly about 0.1 to about 2 microns.
Method of Use
In accordance with the above-described method, the active ingredient can be applied to a device, e.g., a stent, retained on the device during delivery and released at a desired control rate and for a predetermined duration of time at the site of implantation. A stent having the above-described coating layers is useful for a variety of medical procedures, including, by way of example, treatment of obstructions caused by tumors in bile ducts, esophagus, trachea/bronchi and other biological passageways. A stent having the above-described coating layers is particularly useful for treating occluded regions of blood vessels caused by abnormal or inappropriate migration and proliferation of smooth muscle cells, thrombosis, and restenosis. Stents may be placed in a wide array of blood vessels, both arteries and veins. Representative examples of sites include the iliac, renal, and coronary arteries.
Briefly, an angiogram is first performed to determine the appropriate positioning for stent therapy. Angiography is typically accomplished by injecting a radiopaque contrasting agent through a catheter inserted into an artery or vein as an x-ray is taken. A guidewire is then advanced through the lesion or proposed site of treatment. Over the guidewire is passed a delivery catheter, which allows a stent in its collapsed configuration to be inserted into the passageway. The delivery catheter is inserted either percutaneously, or by surgery, into the femoral artery, brachial artery, femoral vein, or brachial vein, and advanced into the appropriate blood vessel by steering the catheter through the vascular system under fluoroscopic guidance. A stent having the above-described coating layers may then
be expanded at the desired area of treatment. A post insertion angiogram may also
be utilized to confirm appropriate positioning.
EXAMPLES
The embodiments of the invention will be illustrated by the following set
forth prophetic examples which are being given by way of illustration only and not
by way of limitation. All parameters and data are not to be construed to unduly
limit the scope of the embodiments of the invention.
Example 1
A 13 mm, 316L stainless steel TETRA stent is primer coated by spraying
with a 2% (w/w) solution of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (44 mole % ethylene)
in dimethylacetamide. The solvent is removed by baking at 140°C for 1 hour. A solution of 2% (w/w) ENAL and 0.25% (w/w) actinomycin D in
dimethylacetamide is spray coated onto the stent to a thickness that gives 25 μg of actinomycin D on the stent. The stent is then baked at 50°C for two hours. A
hydrophobic release rate limiting membrane is formed by spraying the stent with a
2% (w/w) solution of polybutylmethacrylate in a 1/3 (w/w) mixture of ethyl acetate and cyclohexanone. A second two hour bake at 50°C is performed to remove the solvent.
Example 2
A 13 mm, 316L stainless steel TETRA stent is primer coated by spraying with a 2% (w/w) solution of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (44 mole % ethylene)
in dimethylacetamide. The solvent is removed by baking at 140°C for 1 hour. A solution of 2% (w/w) ENAL and 0.5% (w/w) paclitaxel in dimethylacetamide is spray coated onto the stent to a thickness that gives 50 μg of paclitaxel on the stent. The stent is then baked at 50°C for two hours. A hydrophobic release rate limiting membrane is formed by spraying on a 2% (w/w) solution of poly(ethylene-co- vinylacetate) (25 mole % acetate content) in a 1/1 (w/w) solution of toluene and n- butyl acetate. Another two hour bake at 50°C is performed to remove the solvent.
Example 3
A 13 mm, 316L stainless steel TETRA stent is primer coated by spraying with a 2% (w/w) solution of poly(ethylene-co- vinyl alcohol) (44 mole % ethylene) in dimethylacetamide. The solvent is removed by baking at 140°C for 1 hour. A solution of 2% (w/w) ENAL and 0.67% (w/w) clobetasol propionate in dimethylacetamide is spray coated onto the stent to a thickness that gives 150 μg of clobetasol propionate on the stent. The stent is then baked at 50°C for two hours. A hydrophobic release rate limiting membrane is formed by coating on a 5% (w/w) solution of Νusil MED3-6605 silicone dispersion in a 1/1 (w/w) of trichloroethylene and cyclohexane. This process is accomplished by placing the stent on a section of 0.070 inch OD stainless steel tubing. The coating is then applied to the stent via syringe. With the stent covered with fluid, it is pushed along the length of the tube with a short section of TEFLON tubing, while simultaneously rotating the stainless steel tube. The coating is left to air cure at ambient temperature for 18 hours.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications can be made without departing from this invention in its broader aspects. For example, while much of the above discussion focuses on the reduction of the rate of diffusion of a polar active ingredient, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the diffusion barriers described are also applicable for use with non-polar active ingredients. Therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.