Abstract: An expandable balloon for use in angioplasty procedures comprises a balloon having an outer surface layer, the outer surface layer being made from electrospun nanofibers and incorporating at least one pharmaceutically active substance, such as nitric oxide (NO). The outer surface layer may be formed on a separate flexible tubular member or sock, which is slipped over the balloon. A method of treating cell disorders in tubular structures of a living being comprises the steps of placing a coated balloon at a treatment site within the tubular structures, expanding the balloon at the treatment site, and releasing the pharmaceutically active substance at the treatment site. Optionally, a stent may be crimped onto the balloon prior to insertion of the balloon and scent into the tubular structures of the living being.

Abstract: A stent assembly comprises an expandable tubular stent (21), an external surface of which is provided with a fabric (5) which may constitute a reservoir to hold drugs to be released in the intravascular system of a living. The fabric (5) may be made from a filamentary material, such as multifilament yarn (6). Electrospinning of nanofibers of, e.g., polymer may be employed for manufacturing the fabric. The stent may comprise an assembly of radially expandable, tubular elements (1) aligned along a common longitudinal axis and successively joined together in pairs by respective sets of linking members (4), e.g. forming a zigzag corrugation. The stent may be crimped onto a balloon.

Abstract: An anti-restenosis agent comprises a phosphorothioate-modified oligonucleotide includes at least on hairpin loop and a TG sequence. The hairpin loop preferably has the sequence CAG CGA AGC. Especially preferred oligonucleotides are ones which include a sequence selected from TGGGG TGGGG T GGGGT GGGGT CAG CGA AGC (SEQ ED NO: 4) and TTGGG TTGGG T GGGTT GGGTT CAG CGA AGC (SEQ TD NO: 6). The anti-restenosis agent may be used as or in a coating on a device for implantation into the body, for instance a stent.