Stent Coating Apparatus with Fibers

Abstract

A stent coating apparatus for coating a stent includes a brush assembly, a stent support, and a dispensing mechanism. The brush assembly includes a plurality of fibers, and the stent support carries a stent at a position in which the stent is in contact with the fibers. The dispensing mechanism dispenses a coating composition to the plurality of fibers.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A stent coating apparatus comprising:
 a brush assembly including a plurality of fibers;   a stent support configured to carry a stent at a position in which the stent is in contact with the plurality of fibers; and   a dispensing mechanism configured to dispense a coating composition to the plurality of fibers.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the dispensing mechanism includes a hollow dispensing needle configured to dispense the coating composition to the plurality of fibers. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the hollow dispensing needle is coupled to the plurality of fibers. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of fibers includes at least one fiber fixed to a perimeter of an outlet of the hollow dispensing needle. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the brush assembly includes a module formed of a spongy material, and the module connects the hollow dispensing needle to the plurality of fibers. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the brush assembly includes a module formed of a porous material, and the module connects the hollow dispensing needle to the plurality of fibers. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the brush assembly includes a module formed of a spongy material or a porous material, and the module is configured to convey the coating composition from the dispensing mechanism to the plurality of fibers. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , further comprising a device configured to deliver air to the dispensing mechanism at a location upstream of module. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a device configured to deliver air to the dispensing mechanism. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the dispensing mechanism is configured to atomize the coating composition. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the stent support is configured to rotate relative to the plurality of fibers. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the brush assembly is configured to translate relative to the plurality of fibers. 
     
     
         13 . A stent coating system comprising:
 the stent coating apparatus of  claim 1 ; and   a stent carried on the stent support of the stent coating apparatus.