Devices and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic or
diagnostic substances to desired locations within the bodies of human or
non-human animal subjects. An implantable delivery device comprising a
reservoir is initially attached to a deliver catheter or delivery tool
and is introduced into the body and positioned at a desired site. A
therapeutic or diagnostic substance is then introduced into the reservoir
and the delivery catheter or deliver tool is then removed, leaving the
implantable delivery device implanted within the body. The substance is
then delivered from the reservoir at a rate that causes the desire
diagnostic or therapeutic effect. Also provided are substance eluting
stents that elute substance from a selected surface of the stent (e.g.,
the outer surface) but not from another surface of the stent (e.g., the
inner surface).