Degradable medical device

摘要

An implantable medical device is provided that degrades upon contact with body fluids so as to limit its residence time within the body. The device is formed of a porous corrodible metal to simultaneously provide high strength and an accelerated corrosion rate. The corrosion rate of a device formed of metal subject to self-dissolution or of a combination of metals subject to galvanic corrosion is accelerated by its porous structure. Coating the corrodible metallic device with a degradable polymer serves to delay the onset of corrosion of the underlying metallic structure.