METHODS FOR MAKING IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES HAVING MICROSTRUCTURES

摘要

The present invention generally provides methods for fabricating implantable medical devices having microstructures. In one aspect, a method of fabricating an implantable medical device having microstructures for enhancing therapeutic delivery first includes providing a device precursor having an outer surface coated with a photoresist material. The method next includes defining an optical pattern on the photoresist material and electrochemically etching the outer surface to form the microstructures. Then the photoresist material is removed and the device precursor is machined to form the implantable medical device having microstructures. In some embodiments the device precursor comprises a tubular stent precursor and the device comprises a stent.