The present invention provides a method of forming a drug eluting stent,
the method comprising coupling a stent framework to a mandrel, inserting
the mandrel with stent framework into an open die, the die including a
forming surface including a plurality of raised indention forming
portions; closing the die against the stent framework; pressing the
raised indention portions into the stent framework to form indentions in
the stent framework; and inserting at least one drug polymer into the
indentions formed in the stent framework.