Apparatus for regulating temperature of a composition and a method of coating implantable devices

Abstract

An applicator for applying a coating substance to an implantable medical device, such as a stent, is provided. The applicator comprises a nozzle and a temperature controller in communication with the nozzle for adjusting the temperature of the coating substance. A method of using the applicator is also provided.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An applicator for applying a coating substance to an implantable medical device, comprising a nozzle and a temperature controller in thermal communication with the nozzle for adjusting the temperature of the coating substance during the application process.  
     
     
         2 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the temperature controller circumscribes the nozzle and is position in close proximity to an orifice of the nozzle through which the coating substance is applied.  
     
     
         3 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the coating substance includes a polymer dissolved in a solvent and optionally a therapeutic substance added thereto.  
     
     
         4 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the implantable device is a radially expandable stent.  
     
     
         5 . An apparatus for applying a composition to a stent, comprising: 
 (a) an applicator for spraying a composition at the stent; and    (b) a temperature controller connected to the applicator for adjusting the temperature of the composition to a temperature other than ambient temperature.    
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the applicator comprises a body extending into a nozzle, such that the temperature controller is positioned in close proximity to the nozzle.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the applicator is an air-assisted internal or external mixing atomizer.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , additionally including a temperature modular in communication with the temperature controller for maintaining the temperature of the composition at a constant level during the application of the composition.  
     
     
         9 . A method of coating a stent, comprising: 
 (a) positioning a stent at a distance away from a nozzle;    (b) applying a coating substance from the nozzle to the stent; and    (c) adjusting the temperature of the nozzle to adjust the temperature of the coating substance.    
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein a temperature controller is in thermal commutation with the nozzle for adjusting the temperature of the nozzle.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the coating substance comprises a polymer dissolved in a solvent and optionally a therapeutic substance added thereto.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the temperature of the nozzle is adjusted to a temperature of about 35° C. to about 40° C.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the temperature of the nozzle is adjusted to a temperature above room temperature.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9 , additionally including rotating the stent about the longitudinal axis of the stent.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the coating substance is applied as atomized droplets.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the temperature of the nozzle is adjusted prior to the application of the coating substance.