Abstract: A method for coating a medical device with a drug is provided. Energy, preferably thermal energy, is applied to a crystalline deposit of a drug on the surface of a medical device to increase the molecular mobility and form a conformable drug coating with a low density of micro-cracks and other mechanical defects that can degrade the coating toughness and effective adhesion to the device surface. In a preferred embodiment, solution evaporation methods are used to deposit a crystalline coating of an anti-inflammatory steroid on a medical electrode. Heat applied at a controlled temperature, for a predetermined amount of time, induces a solid-state phase change of the drug coating providing a smooth, uniform, well-attached, conformable coating to form a layer that will elute from the electrode over time when implanted in a patient's body.

Abstract: A method for coating a medical device with a drug is provided. Energy, preferably thermal energy, is applied to a crystalline deposit of a drug on the surface of a medical device to increase the molecular mobility and form a conformable drug coating with a low density of micro-cracks and other mechanical defects that can degrade the coating toughness and effective adhesion to the device surface. In a preferred embodiment, solution evaporation methods are used to deposit a crystalline coating of an anti-inflammatory steroid on a medical electrode. Heat applied at a controlled temperature, for a predetermined amount of time, induces a solid-state phase change of the drug coating providing a smooth, uniform, well-attached, conformable coating to form a layer that will elute from the electrode over time when implanted in a patient's body.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead or indwelling catheter comprising an elongated body having a tissue-contacting surface that includes a polymer in intimate contact with a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent.