Stent coating apparatus and method

A stent coating system for coating a stent with a medication, the stent having an external surface, the stent being mounted on a balloon on a catheter, the system comprising:

• (a) an interchangeable cartridge including:
• (i) an applicator device having:
• a reservoir configured for storing the medication;
• and a nozzle in fluid connection with said reservoir, said nozzle being configured for dispensing the medication on to the stent;
• and
• (ii) a drive mechanism mechanically connected to said applicator device, said drive mechanism being configured for generating relative motion between said nozzle and the stent in response to an external force;
• and
• (b) a reusable drive unit configured for being reversibly connected to said cartridge, said drive unit being configured for providing said external force for actuating said drive mechanism of said cartridge for generating said relative motion between said nozzle and the stent, thereby at least partially coating the external surface of the stent with the medication.

A stent coating system for coating a stent with a medication, the stent having an external surface, the stent being mounted on a balloon on a catheter, the system comprising:

• (a) a nozzle configured for dispensing a plurality of droplets of the medication on to the stent;
• (b) a clamping mechanism for fastening the catheter therein and thereby preventing movement of the stent;
• and
• (c) a drive mechanism mechanically connected to said nozzle, said drive mechanism being configured for moving said nozzle over the external surface of the stent, in order to at least partially coat the external surface of the stent with the medication.

A stent coating and checking system for coating a stent with a medication, the stent having an external surface, the stent being mounted on a balloon on a catheter, the system comprising:

• (a) an applicator device configured for dispensing the medication on to the stent;
• and
• (b) a checking device configured for checking the coating of the stent, at least part of said applicator device and at least part of said checking device being permanently mechanically connected, the checking device including:
• (i) a housing configured for resting the stent therein;
• (ii) a plurality of electrical contacts disposed in said housing configured for making electrical contact with the external surface of the stent;
• and
• (iii) an indicator arrangement configured for:
• (i) checking the electrical conductivity of the external surface of the stent;
• and (ii) indicating the coating status of the stent.