Drug loaded fibers

Abstract

Implants and methods for the delivery of a therapeutic agent to a target location within a patient's body are disclosed. The implants include a fiber comprising a polymeric material and having a diameter of up to about twenty microns, and a first therapeutic agent within the fiber. The therapeutic agent is substantially in particulate form. The implants are of a variety of configurations, such as individual fibers, yarns, ropes, tubes, and patches.

1 - 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . A method of making a fiber, comprising the step of electrospinning the fiber with an electrospinning apparatus comprising:
 a co-axial spinneret system comprising an inner needle and an outer needle;   an inner solution feed in fluid communication with said inner needle, said inner solution feed comprising a first polymer, a solvent, and a therapeutic agent that is substantially insoluble in both of said first polymer and said solvent; and   an outer solution feed in fluid communication with said outer needle, said outer solution feed comprising a second polymer that is different from said first polymer;   wherein the fiber has a cross-sectional diameter of up to about 20 microns and comprises an inner radial portion comprising said first polymer and said therapeutic agent and an outer radial portion comprising said second polymer.   
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein said therapeutic agent makes up at least about 20 weight percent of said fiber. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein said therapeutic agent makes up at least about 30 weight percent of said fiber. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein said therapeutic agent makes up at least about 40 weight percent of said fiber. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein said first polymer material is bioabsorbable. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein said second polymer is bioabsorbable. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein said inner and outer needles each comprise a conductive material. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the step of electrospinning the fiber comprises the step of applying an electric potential to said outer needle. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein said inner needle is positioned within said outer needle. 
     
     
         40 . A method of making a fiber, comprising the step of electrospinning the fiber with an electrospinning apparatus comprising:
 a co-axial spinneret system comprising an inner needle and an outer needle;   an inner solution feed in fluid communication with said inner needle, said inner solution feed comprising a first polymer, a solvent, and a therapeutic agent that is substantially insoluble in said first polymer and said solvent; and   an outer solution feed in fluid communication with said outer needle, said outer solution feed comprising a second polymer that is different from said first polymer;   wherein the fiber has a cross-sectional diameter of up to about 20 microns and comprises and inner radial portion comprising said first polymer and an outer radial portion comprising said second polymer; and   wherein said therapeutic agent makes up at least about 20 weight percent of said fiber.   
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein the fiber has a diameter between 10 and 15 microns. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein said therapeutic agent makes up at least about 30 weight percent of said fiber. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein said therapeutic agent makes up at least about 40 weight percent of said fiber. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein said first polymer material is bioabsorbable. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein said second polymer is bioabsorbable.