Stent having active release reservoirs

Abstract

Devices for the controlled release of one or more drugs are provided. The devices include an implantable stent, at least two reservoirs in the stent, and a release system contained in each of the at least two reservoirs, wherein the release system comprises one or more drugs for release.

1 . An implantable stent for delivering a substance comprising: 
 a first reservoir defining a first opening, and containing a first substance therein;    a first anode overlying at least a portion of the first opening; and    a first cathodes located proximate the first anode;    wherein the first cathode and the first anode are configured to permit application of an electric potential therebetween.    
   
   
       2 . The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the first substance is a drug.  
   
   
       3 . The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the first cathodes comprises two portions located proximate opposite sides of the first anode.  
   
   
       4 . The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the first anode is comprised of a film-like conductive material.  
   
   
       5 . The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the first anode is comprised of a material capable of dissolving upon application of the electric potential.  
   
   
       6 . The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the first anode is comprised of a material capable of forming soluble ions or oxidation compounds upon application of an electric potential.  
   
   
       7 . The stent of  claim 5 , wherein the first substance is at least partially released upon dissolution of at least a portion of the first anode.  
   
   
       8 . The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the first anode completely covers the first opening.  
   
   
       9 . The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the first anode is a reservoir cap.  
   
   
       10 . The stent of  claim 1 , further comprising a second reservoir having a second opening, and containing a second substance therein.  
   
   
       11 . The stent of  claim 10 , wherein the second reservoir is located adjacent the first reservoir.  
   
   
       12 . The stent of  claim 10 , wherein the second reservoir is located substantially beneath the first reservoir.  
   
   
       13 . The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the stent is configured to actively release the first substance.  
   
   
       14 . The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the stent is configured to release the first substance within a living being.  
   
   
       15 . An implantable stent for delivering a substance comprising: 
 a first reservoir defining a first opening, and containing a first substance therein; and    a first cap overlying at least a portion of the first opening;    wherein the first cap is configured to be at least partially dissolved in response to an electric potential, thereby releasing at least a portion of the first substance.    
   
   
       16 . The stent of  claim 15 , wherein the stent is configured to release the first substance within a living being.  
   
   
       17 . The stent of  claim 15 , wherein the first cap is an anode.  
   
   
       18 . The stent of  claim 17 , further comprising at least one cathode.  
   
   
       19 . The stent of  claim 15 , further comprising: 
 a second reservoir having a second opening, containing a second substance therein; and    a second cap overlying at least a portion of the second opening;    wherein the second cap is configured to be at least partially dissolved in response to an electric current or potential, thereby releasing at least a portion of the second substance.    
   
   
       20 . The stent of  claim 19 , wherein the second reservoir is located adjacent the first reservoir.