Local drug delivery system was demonstrated by using drug-eluting stents coated with nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) for controlled drug release. 316 stainless steel coronary stents were coated with nanoporous AAO, which was fabricated by anodization of Al deposited on stents. Effects of diameter and depth of AAO on the release of drug were investigated. Image of the AAO pore diameter and depth were examined by SEM. Amount of the drug release from the AAO with various pore diameters and depths was analyzed by HPLC. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.