Implant stent with a retinoid for improved biocompatibility

Abstract

An implant device is provided which incorporates a retinoid for improving the biocompatibility of the device in tissue. The device may be bioerodible for the purpose of systemically or locally releasing a therapeutic agent in tissue or it may be a permanent implant which includes a surface treated with a retinoid for increasing the biocompatibility thereof.

1 . In an endovascular stent implantable in a blood vessel and incorporating a therapeutic agent an improvement comprising a retinoid, separate from said therapeutic agent, for improving biocompatibility of the stent in said blood vessel. 
     
     
         2 . The improvement according to  claim 1  wherein said retinoid is coated on the stent. 
     
     
         3 . The improvement according to  claim 1  wherein said retinoid is bonded to the stent. 
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein said retinoid comprises a retinoid receptor agonist. 
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein said therapeutic agent, stent and retinoid are homogeneous. 
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 4  wherein said retinoid receptor agonist comprises a naturally occurring retinoid. 
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 4  wherein said retinoid receptor agonist is selected from a group consisting of Vitamin A (retinal), Vitamin A aldehyde (retinal), Vitamin A acid (retinoic acid) and their synthetic and natural congeners. 
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 4  wherein the retinoid receptor agonist comprises ethyl-6-[2-(4,4-dimethylthiochroman-6yl)ethyl]nicotinate. 
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 4  wherein retinoid receptor comprises 6-[2-(4,4-dimethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl]nicotinic acid. 
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 4  wherein the retinoid receptor agonist comprises p-[(E)-2-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2naphthyl)propenyl]-benzoic acid.