Apparatus for coating a stent

Abstract

An apparatus for coating a stent can comprises a support element, spray nozzle, and a shuttle sheath. A method of coating a stent comprises contacting a first axial portion of a stent with the support element, such that a second axial portion does not contact the support element or any other support element, applying a coating material to the second axial portion, and inhibiting or preventing application of the coating material on the first axial portion. The shuttle sheath can be used to push the stent off the support element.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for coating a stent, the apparatus comprising:
 a support element having a free end for supporting a stent;   a spray nozzle oriented to spray a coating material toward a stent supported by the free end of the support element; and   a shuttle sheath coupled to support element and configured to push the stent off the support element with movement of the shuttle sheath relative to the free end of the support element.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a barrier over the support element, the shuttle sheath disposed between the support element and the barrier, the barrier configured to move axially relative to the free end of the support element. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the support element or the spray nozzle is configured to axially translate relative to the other of spray nozzle or the support element. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a second support element having a free end for supporting the stent; and   a second shuttle sheath coupled to second support element and configured to push the stent off the second support element with movement of the second shuttle sheath relative to the free end of the second support element.   
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , further comprising a second barrier over the second support element, the second shuttle sheath disposed between the second support element and the second barrier, the second barrier configured to move axially relative to the free end of the second support element. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the second support element or the spray nozzle is configured to axially translate relative to the other of spray nozzle or the second support element.