Multi-layered radiopaque coating on intravascular devices

Abstract

Intravascular devices having a radiopaque layer thereon for visualization are provided. The devices further includes a capping layer on the radiopaque layer to prevent exposure of the radiopaque material to surrounding tissues. A method of coating the device is also provided. The method includes using an unbalanced magnetic field magnetron to generate, from a source, metal atoms for coating and bombarding ions for compressing deposited metal atoms to the surface of the device.

1 - 31 . (canceled)  
   
   
       32 . A method for coating an intravascular device, the method comprising: 
 providing an intravascular device having a substrate surface;    generating a flux of atoms of a radiopaque material and a flux of bombarding ions;    directing the flux of atoms of the radiopaque material and the flux of bombarding ions in a co-linear fashion toward the substrate surface;    depositing the atoms on to the substrate surface; and    permitting the bombarding ions to impact the atoms to the substrate surface, so as to provide a substantially uniform layer of radiopaque material.    
   
   
       33 . A method as set forth in  claim 32 , further comprising: 
 generating a flux of first metal atoms;    directing the flux of first metal atoms and a flux of bombarding ions in a co-linear fashion toward the layer of radiopaque material;    depositing the first metal atoms on to the layer of radiopaque material; and    permitting the bombarding ions to impact the first metal atoms to the radiopaque material, so as to provide a substantially uniformly capping layer.    
   
   
       34 . A method as set forth in  claim 33 , further comprising: 
 depositing a mixture of the atoms of radiopaque material and the first metal atoms between the layer of radiopaque material and the capping layer; and    generating a transition layer therebetween.    
   
   
       35 . A method as set forth in  claim 34 , wherein the step of depositing includes: 
 reducing an amount at which the atoms of the radiopaque material are being deposited; and increasing an amount at which the metal atoms are being deposited.    
   
   
       36 . A method as set forth in  claim 33 , further comprising: 
 depositing a mixture of second metal atoms and atoms of the radiopaque material between the substrate surface and the layer of radiopaque material; and    generating an adhesion layer therebetween.    
   
   
       37 . A method as set forth in  claim 36 , wherein the step of depositing includes: 
 reducing an amount at which the second metal atoms are being deposited; and    increasing an amount at which the atoms of the radiopaque material are being deposited.