Abstract: A method of coating an implantable prosthesis by applying a composition including a therapeutic substance and a fluid to the prosthesis and removing the fluid is disclosed. The fluid is not capable of significantly dissolving the therapeutic substance. A second fluid in which the therapeutic substance is soluble may be further included in the composition. Methods of providing the composition and a roughened polymeric primer layer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A chamber is provided that allows a user to medicate an implantable prosthesis such as a stent. The implantable prosthesis is capable of securing a therapeutic substance and subsequently delivering the therapeutic substance to local tissues. The chamber allows a user to medicate the prosthesis subsequent to the sterilization process and immediately prior to the implantation procedure. The chamber includes a hollow body defining a chamber cavity that encapsulates the prosthesis crimped on a balloon of a catheter assembly. The chamber is removably mounted on the catheter assembly. A user can supply therapeutic substances into the chamber and allow the therapeutic substances to be secured by the prosthesis. After allowing the prosthesis to be soaked by the therapeutic substances for a predetermined amount of time, the chamber is removed and the prosthesis is ready for the implantation procedure.

Abstract: A method for forming an implantable medical device, such as a stent, covered stent, or synthetic stent graft, is provided. Protruding structures are formed on a surface of the device. The protruding structures have a central depression region surrounded by a lip. The protruding structures can have a variety of shapes, including circular and ovular shapes, or the protruding structure can form a groove. The protruding structures can be used to engage a cover. Glue can be added to the protruding structures to help secure the cover. The protruding structures can also contain a therapeutic substance or substances for release in situ. The protruding structures can be formed using a laser discharge to create a hole in the stent surface followed by directing a pressurized stream of grit at the surface.

Abstract: A chamber is provided that allows a user to medicate an implantable prosthesis such as a stent. The implantable prosthesis is capable of securing a therapeutic substance and subsequently delivering the therapeutic substance to local tissues. The chamber allows a user to medicate the prosthesis subsequent to the sterilization process and immediately prior to the implantation procedure. The chamber includes a hollow body defining a chamber cavity that encapsulates the prosthesis crimped on a balloon of a catheter assembly. The chamber is removably mounted on the catheter assembly. A user can supply therapeutic substances into the chamber and allow the therapeutic substances to be secured by the prosthesis. After allowing the prosthesis to be soaked by the therapeutic substances for a predetermined amount of time, the chamber is removed and the prosthesis is ready for the implantation procedure.

Abstract: A chamber is provided that allows a user to medicate an implantable prosthesis such as a stent. The implantable prosthesis is capable of securing a therapeutic substance and subsequently delivering the therapeutic substance to local tissues. The chamber allows a user to medicate the prosthesis subsequent to the sterilization process and immediately prior to the implantation procedure. The chamber includes a hollow body defining a chamber cavity that encapsulates the prosthesis crimped on a balloon of a catheter assembly. The chamber is removably mounted on the catheter assembly. A user can supply therapeutic substances into the chamber and allow the therapeutic substances to be secured by the prosthesis. After allowing the prosthesis to be soaked by the therapeutic substances for a predetermined amount of time, the chamber is removed and the prosthesis is ready for the implantation procedure.