초록 ▼

The present invention has several plausible embodiments. In one embodiment an apparatus for coating a medical device is provided. This apparatus includes a coating chamber, a vibrating structure within the coating chamber the vibrating structure capable of suspending a medical device positioned in t

The present invention has several plausible embodiments. In one embodiment an apparatus for coating a medical device is provided. This apparatus includes a coating chamber, a vibrating structure within the coating chamber the vibrating structure capable of suspending a medical device positioned in the coating chamber, and a coating source, the coating source positioned to introduce coating into the coating chamber. In another embodiment a method of coating a medical device is provided. This method includes moving a medical device into a predetermined coating area, vibrating a structure below the medical device, the vibration of the structure forcing the medical device away from the vibrating structure, and coating at least a portion of the medical device that has moved away from the vibrating structure.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method of coating a medical device comprising: moving a medical device into a predetermined coating area; vibrating a conveyor below the medical device, the vibration of the conveyor forcing the medical device away from the vibrating conveyor, the conveyor urging the medical device from

1. A method of coating a medical device comprising: moving a medical device into a predetermined coating area; vibrating a conveyor below the medical device, the vibration of the conveyor forcing the medical device away from the vibrating conveyor, the conveyor urging the medical device from an entrance of the coating area to an exit of the coating area; and coating at least a portion of the medical device that has moved away from the vibrating conveyor. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the medical device is periodically contacted by the vibrating conveyor such that the device first travels away from the vibrating conveyor and then travels back towards the vibrating conveyor until the medical device is contacted again by the vibrating conveyor.3. The method of claim 1 further comprising: introducing a curing catalyst into the coating area. 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the coating contains a therapeutic.5. The method of claim 1 wherein the medical device does not contact the vibrating conveyor.6. The method of claim 1 further comprising: injecting a compressible fluid into the predetermined coating area. 7. The method of claim 1 further comprising: coating the medical device with a second coating. 8. The method of claim 1 further comprising: heating the medical device to a temperature adequate to cure coating on the medical device. 9. The method of claim 1 further comprising: evacuating the predetermined coating area with a vacuum force. 10. The method of claim 1 further comprising: removing coating material from the predetermined coating area; and recycling the removed coating material. 11. The method of claim 1 wherein the medical device is selected from a stent, a medical balloon, a graft, a vena-cava filter or combinations thereof.12. The method of claim 1 wherein a gas is used to position the medical device in the predetermined coating area and to remove the medical device from the predetermined coating area.13. The method of claim 1 wherein the medical device is supported by a protective cage.14. A method of coating a medical device comprising: moving a medical device into a predetermined coating area; vibrating a structure below the medical device, the vibration of the structure forcing the medical device away from the vibrating structure; and coating at least a portion of the medical device that has moved away from the vibrating structure, wherein the medical device does not contact the vibrating structure. 15. A method of coating a medical device comprising: moving a medical device into a predetermined coating area; vibrating a structure below the medical device, the vibration of the structure forcing the medical device away from the vibrating structure; and coating at least a portion of the medical device that has moved away from the vibrating structure, wherein the medical device is supported by a protective cage. 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the structure is an acoustic diaphragm.17. A method of coating a medical device comprising: moving a medical device into a predetermined coating area; vibrating a structure below the medical device, the vibration of the structure forcing the medical device away from the vibrating structure; rotating the vibrating structure; and coating at least a portion of the medical device that has moved away from the vibrating structure.