Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the conditioning of coated medical devices such as stents. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods for positioning a medical device within an elution media for a predetermined time period to eliminate a burst release from the coating. Under methods and processes of the invention, a medical device target surface may be identified and coated with therapeutic. The coated surface of the medical device may then be positioned within an elution media for a predetermined period of time to release a predetermined amount of coating.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods, processes, and systems for selectively driving therapeutic into at least a portion of a porous matrix of a medical implant. Under methods and processes of the invention, a medical implant may be provided having at least a portion thereof comprising a porous matrix. An injector in fluid communication with a fluid source deliver therapeutic within the porous matrix. The porous matrix may be configured to control the elution rate.

Abstract: An implantable stent comprising a first strut having an abluminal surface, and subluminal surface, and at least one side surface; a first depression formed in the abluminal surface; and a first support element at least partially disposed in the first depression; wherein at least a portion of the first support element extends beyond the abluminal surface of the first strut.

Abstract: Endoprostheses (e.g., stents) containing adjustable surfaces are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and processes for coating portions of a workpiece as well as to workpieces that have themselves been coated with one or more of these processes. Under these methods and processes a masking material may be positioned over a portion of a workpiece prior to applying coating to the workpiece. Once the coating is applied this masking may be removed to expose a portion of the workpiece that has not been coated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods, processes, and systems for coating portions of a workpiece as well as to workpieces that have themselves been coated in accord with the invention. Under these methods and processes of the invention, a workpiece may be rotated to drive coating away from a non-target surface. In some embodiments, surfaces of the workpiece may be pre-treated. Still further, in accord with the embodiments of the present invention, the workpiece may be positioned in a treatment chamber. In still other embodiments, the workpiece may be an implantable medical device and the coating may include a therapeutic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a coated medical device with a porous coating. The method includes coating at least a portion of the surface of a medical device with a coating composition comprising a polymer, solvent, and a gas, and then removing an amount of gas from the coating composition sufficient to form a porous coating. A biologically active material can be included in the coating composition.

Abstract: A medical device including at least one reservoir, adapted to contain a material, such as a therapeutic agent, and sealed by a cover. The reservoir is openable, so as to release the material, for example, by (i) disintegration of the cover, (ii) movement of the cover to an open position, and/or (iii) a change of composition or properties of the cover allowing the material to pass therethrough. The power required to open the reservoir is provied by a current induced in a coil associated with the medical device by a change in magnetic flux in the area of the medical device.

Abstract: A method is provided for coating at least a portion of at least one medical device. The method includes arranging the at least one medical device in a vapor cone and directing a laser at a frozen target. The target includes an agent and the laser vaporizes the agent into the vapor cone. A device is provided for coating at least one medical device. The device includes a target assembly, a laser directed at the target assembly, and an arrangement adapted to hold the at least one medical device in a vapor cone. The vapor cone originates at a target point that a laser beam or a laser pulse contacts a frozen target in the target assembly. A medical device is provided having a coating applied by a method. The method includes arranging the medical device in a vapor cone and directing a laser at a frozen target. The frozen target includes an agent and the laser vaporizes the agent into the vapor cone.