Abstract: A method of coating a medical appliance is provided that includes vibrating the medical appliance and contacting a material with the medical appliance to form the coating. A medical appliance is provided having a coating applied by a method. The method includes vibrating the medical appliance and contacting a material with the medical appliance to form the coating. A system is provided for coating a medical appliance. The system includes an arrangement for holding the medical appliance and an arrangement for at least one of moving and rotating the arrangement for holding the medical appliance. The system also includes an arrangement for vibrating the medical appliance.

Abstract: A method of coating a medical appliance is provided that includes vibrating the medical appliance and contacting a material with the medical appliance to form the coating. A medical appliance is provided having a coating applied by a method. The method includes vibrating the medical appliance and contacting a material with the medical appliance to form the coating. A system is provided for coating a medical appliance. The system includes an arrangement for holding the medical appliance and an arrangement for at least one of moving and rotating the arrangement for holding the medical appliance. The system also includes an arrangement for vibrating the medical appliance.

Abstract: An improved stent coating holder for application of coatings to stents is provided. In a first embodiment, a flexible wire with loops on each end is passed through the center of a stent. The loops are placed over the ends of a stent coating holder, which applies tension to the loops while spreading them radially until they contact their respective stent ends. The holder thus secures the stent from longitudinal or radial movement during coating and minimizes holder-induced uneven distribution of coating material on the stent. In a second embodiment, a center rod is passed through the stent, which is held at its ends by lower and upper crossbars affixed respectively to the center rod and to a center rod guide. A locking pin inserted through the center rod and guide tube fixes the stent between the crossbars, precluding stent movement during coating and minimizing holder shadowing.