Abstract: A method and device, for use in an operating theater just prior to implantation, for selectively applying a medical coating to an implantable medical device. Disclosed is a device for use with a stent deployed on a catheter balloon configured to apply a medical coating of a desired thickness to the surface of the stent only. A drop-on-demand inkjet printing system in association with an optical scanning device is described. The device is further configured to apply a plurality of layered coats, each layered coat being of a different coating material, and if appropriate, different thickness and to coat a portion of the medical device as a function of its geometric configuration. The coating is applied by moving an applicator over the device in a path that is independent of the deposited coating pattern.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and device, which is suitable for use in an operating theater just prior to implantation, for selectively applying a medical coating to an implantable medical device, for example a stent. Disclosed is a device for use with a stent deployed on a catheter balloon. The device is configured to apply a medical coating of a desired thickness to the surface of a stent only. This is done by use of a drop-on-demand inkjet printing system in association with an optical scanning device. The device is further configured so as to, if necessary, apply a plurality of layered coats, each layered coat being of a different coating material, and if appropriate, different thickness. The section of the housing in which the stent is held during the coating procedure is detachable from the housing base. The detachable housing section may be easily cleaned and re-sterilized or simply disposed or simply disposed of.

Abstract: A system for lighting a stent, i.e., providing an illumination source, to facilitate the capturing of an image of the stent. The lighting is provided so that an image capturing device, e.g., a digital camera or system, will capture an image that distinctly shows the difference between the stent and any surface upon which the stent is mounted, in addition to sharply defining the edges of the stent struts.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and device, which is suitable for use in an operating theater just prior to implantation, for selectively applying a medical coating to an implantable medical device, for example a stent. Disclosed is a device for use with a stent deployed on a catheter balloon. The device is configured to apply a medical coating of a desired thickness to the surface of a stent only. This is done by use of a drop-on-demand inkjet printing system in association with an optical scanning device. The device is further configured so as to, if necessary, apply a plurality of layered coats, each layered coat being of a different coating material, and if appropriate, different thickness. The section of the housing in which the stent is held during the coating procedure is detachable from the housing base. The detachable housing section may be easily cleaned and re-sterilized or simply disposed or simply disposed of.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and device, which is suitable for use in an operating theater just prior to implantation, for selectively applying a medical coating to an implantable medical device, for example a stent. Disclosed is a device for use with a stent deployed on a catheter balloon. The device is configured to apply a medical coating of a desired thickness to the surface of a stent only. This is done by use of a drop-on-demand ink-jet printing system in association with an optical scanning device. The device is further configured so as to, if necessary, apply a plurality of layered coats, each layered coat being of a different coating material, and if appropriate, different thickness. The section of the housing in which the stent is held during the coating procedure is detachable from the housing base. The detachable housing section may be easily cleaned and re-sterilized or simply disposed of.

Abstract: A system measures a location of a drop delivered by, for example, an ink-jet type applicator. An image of the drop is captured from two directions, resulting in two drop images. Only one image capturing apparatus is needed to capture the drop images. The location in three-dimensional space is determined by using the two images but only one image capturing device. The position or location information can then be used to calibrate a coating apparatus.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for coating prostheses via contact patterning with an applicator. Applicators can include rollers, tampons, and ribbons. Coating materials include a variety of substances including polymers and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for coating prostheses via contact patterning with an applicator. Applicators can include rollers, tampons, and ribbons. Coating materials include a variety of substances including polymers and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A system measures a location of a drop delivered by, for example, an ink-jet type applicator. An image of the drop is captured from two directions, resulting in two drop images. Only one image capturing apparatus is needed to capture the drop images. The location in three-dimensional space is determined by using the two images but only one image capturing device. The position or location information can then be used to calibrate a coating apparatus.

Abstract: A system measures a location of a drop delivered by, for example, an ink-jet type applicator. An image of the drop is captured from two directions, resulting in two drop images. Only one image capturing apparatus is needed to capture the drop images. The location in three-dimensional space is determined by using the two images but only one image capturing device. The position or location information can then be used to calibrate a coating apparatus.

Abstract: A system for lighting a stent, i.e., providing an illumination source, to facilitate the capturing of an image of the stent. The lighting is provided so that an image capturing device, e.g., a digital camera or system, will capture an image that distinctly shows the difference between the stent and any surface upon which the stent is mounted, in addition to sharply defining the edges of the stent struts.

Abstract: A coating system for coating a stent with a medication, the stent being mounted on a balloon on a catheter, the system having an applicator device including a fluid ejection nozzle, a reservoir and a pressure wave actuating arrangement. The nozzle has an opening configured for dispensing the medication on to the stent. The reservoir is in fluid communication with the nozzle. The nozzle and the reservoir are configured for generating a negative pressure for preventing leakage of the medication via the opening. The pressure wave actuating arrangement is configured for generating a pressure wave in the nozzle for causing fluid displacement in the nozzle, thereby ejecting a droplet of the medication from the opening. The negative pressure of the nozzle and the reservoir are configured in order that the remaining medication is drawn toward the opening to replace the medication dispensed with the droplet.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention a coating topology, or engineered surface architecture that may be referred to as a microdroplet deposited engineered surface architecture is provided. A plurality of drops are placed on the stent with the purpose, of building up individual units of coating material on the outer stent surface. This architecture results in a coating that uses less material, i.e., polymer, solvent, medicine, while at the same time providing for better, and determinable, drug kinetics, approaching 100% delivery and better mechanical operation of the coating binding to the stent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling coating material deposition on to a medical device. Images of material drops in flight are captured and an average single drop volume value is calculated by conversion of the captured drop images to a volume measurement. The average single drop volume value is used to calculate a total number of drops necessary to apply a desired amount of coating. Alternately, material is applied and the amount of material deposited is accumulated and adjustments are made to deposit only a desired amount of coating material. A drop volume is determined for either every drop or a sampling of drops as the drops are being applied. Adjustments to the coating process include changing drop size and changing a number of drops to be deposited.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and device, which is suitable for use in an operating theater just prior to implantation, for selectively applying a medical coating to an implantable medical device, for example a stent. Disclosed is a device for use with a stent deployed on a catheter balloon. The device is configured to apply a medical coating of a desired thickness to the surface of a stent only. This is done by use of a drop-on-demand inkjet printing system in association with an optical scanning device. The device is further configured so as to, if necessary, apply a plurality of layered coats, each layered coat being of a different coating material, and if appropriate, different thickness. The section of the housing in which the stent is held during the coating procedure is detachable from the housing base. The detachable housing section may be easily cleaned and re-sterilized or simply disposed or simply disposed of.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for coating prostheses via contact patterning with an applicator. Applicators can include rollers, tampons, and ribbons. Coating materials include a variety of substances including polymers and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and device, which is suitable for use in an operating theater just prior to implantation, for selectively applying a medical coating to an implantable medical device, for example a stent. Disclosed is a device for use with a stent deployed on a catheter balloon. The device is configured to apply a medical coating of a desired thickness to the surface of a stent only. This is done by use of a drop-on-demand inkjet printing system in association with an optical scanning device. The device is further configured so as to, if necessary, apply a plurality of layered coats, each layered coat being of a different coating material, and if appropriate, different thickness. The section of the housing in which the stent is held during the coating procedure is detachable from the housing base. The detachable housing section may be easily cleaned and re-sterilized or simply disposed or simply disposed of.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating prostheses via contact patterning with an applicator. Applicators can include rollers, tampons, and ribbons. Coating materials include a variety of substances including polymers and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and device, which is suitable for use in an operating theater just prior to implantation, for selectively applying a medical coating to an implantable medical device, for example a stent. Disclosed is a device for use with a stent deployed on a catheter balloon. The device is configured to apply a medical coating of a desired thickness to the surface of a stent only. This is done by use of a drop-on-demand ink-jet printing system in association with an optical scanning device. The device is further configured so as to, if necessary, apply a plurality of layered coats, each layered coat being of a different coating material, and if appropriate, different thickness. The section of the housing in which the stent is held during the coating procedure is detachable from the housing base. The detachable housing section may be easily cleaned and re-sterilized or simply disposed of.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and device, which is suitable for use in an operating theater just prior to implantation, for selectively applying a medical coating to an implantable medical device, for example a stent. Disclosed is a device for use with a stent deployed on a catheter balloon. The device is configured to apply a medical coating of a desired thickness to the surface of a stent only. This is done by use of a drop-on-demand ink-jet printing system in association with an optical scanning device. The device is further configured so as to, if necessary, apply a plurality of layered coats, each layered coat being of a different coating material, and if appropriate, different thickness. The section of the housing in which the stent is held during the coating procedure is detachable from the housing base. The detachable housing section may be easily cleaned and re-sterilized or simply disposed of.