Manufacturing method of medical devices

Abstract

To provide a production method of a medical supply which can stabilize coating quality.SOLUTION: There is provided a production method of a medical supply comprising: a step for preparing a medical long member 40, a support part 2 capable of supporting the long member 40, and a coating device having a discharge hole 15 from which liquid to be applied to the long member 40 is discharged; and a step for discharging liquid 50 from the discharge hole 15 with respect to the long member 40 arranged on the support part 2 and discharging residual liquid 51 which did not adhere to the long member 40. In the step for discharging the residual liquid 51 while discharging the liquid 50 from the discharge hole 15, in the residual liquid 51, an amount of the discharged liquid is 50% or greater than an amount of the liquid 50 discharged from the discharge hole 15.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing a long medical device, and in particular to a method for producing a long medical device including a coating step. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art During the manufacturing process, medical devices such as catheters are coated on their surfaces for the purposes of facilitating insertion into a body lumen, protecting or reinforcing the surface of the medical device, and the like.

[0003] As an example of a coating method, Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus for coating a medical device comprising a coating application unit, the coating application unit comprising a contact fluid applicator having a continuous U-shaped surface for forming a U-shaped groove, the contact fluid applicator being configured to contact the medical device within the U-shaped groove, and the contact fluid applicator comprising a fluid orifice.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses that the balloon coating device has a rotation mechanism that rotates the balloon around its axis, an applicator that moves relative to the balloon in the axial direction of the balloon and applies a coating liquid containing a drug to the outer surface of the balloon, and a balloon support that contacts the outer surface of the balloon on the side in the direction of movement of the applicator to support the balloon. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2016-504058 [Patent Document 2] JP 2015-119801 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The coating methods described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 leave room for improvement in terms of coating quality. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a medical device that can easily achieve stable coating quality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One embodiment of the method for producing a medical device according to the present invention, which has achieved the above object, includes the steps of preparing a medical elongated member, a support capable of supporting the elongated member, and a coating device having an outlet from which a liquid to be applied to the elongated member is discharged, and the steps of discharging the liquid from the outlet onto the elongated member on the support, and discharging the remaining liquid that has not adhered to the elongated member, and the gist of the method is that in the step of discharging the remaining liquid while discharging the liquid from the outlet, the amount of the discharged liquid among the remaining liquid that has not adhered to the elongated member is 50% or more of the amount of the liquid discharged from the outlet. In the method for producing a medical device according to the present invention, by actively discharging at least a part of the remaining liquid that has not adhered to the elongated member, the liquid discharged from the outlet is always replaced with new liquid, and parameters such as the concentration of the liquid are easily maintained at initial settings. As a result, fresh liquid can always be applied to the elongated member, and the coating quality is stabilized.

[0008] In the step of discharging remaining liquid while discharging the liquid from the discharge port, the amount of discharged liquid out of the remaining liquid that did not adhere to the elongated member may be 500% or more of the amount of liquid that adhered to the elongated member.

[0009] In the coating apparatus, the discharge port may be disposed in the support portion.

[0010] In the step of discharging the remaining liquid while discharging the liquid from the discharge port, the liquid may be discharged upward from the discharge port.

[0011] In the step of discharging the residual liquid while discharging the liquid from the discharge port, the elongated member may be rotated about the axis of its longitudinal axis.

[0012] In the step of discharging the remaining liquid while discharging the liquid from the discharge port, the long member may be brought into contact with a puddle of the liquid discharged from the discharge port. In the step of discharging the remaining liquid while discharging the liquid from the discharge port, the discharge port or the long member may be moved so that the long member passes through the puddle. In the step of discharging the remaining liquid while discharging the liquid from the discharge port, the long member may be rotated while only a part of the outer periphery of the long member is in contact with the puddle.

[0013] When the long member has a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion, in the step of discharging residual liquid while ejecting liquid from the outlet, the long member may be rotated while only a portion of the outer periphery of the long member is in contact with the puddle for the large diameter portion, and the outlet or the long member may be moved so as to pass through the puddle for the small diameter portion.

[0014] In the step of discharging the remaining liquid while discharging the liquid from the discharge port, the liquid may be made to overflow from the liquid pool.

[0015] In the case where the coating apparatus has a liquid supply part connected to the discharge port, the manufacturing method may include a step of causing the liquid in the puddle to flow back toward the liquid supply part after the step of discharging the liquid from the discharge port while discharging the remaining liquid. Note that the manufacturing method may include a step of discharging the liquid from the discharge port to form a new puddle after the step of causing the liquid in the puddle to flow back.

[0016] The coating apparatus may further include a recovery section disposed below the discharge port for recovering residual liquid. When the recovery section in the coating apparatus is in communication with the discharge port, the above-mentioned manufacturing method may discharge the liquid recovered in the recovery section from the discharge port in the step of discharging the residual liquid while discharging the liquid from the discharge port.

[0017] In the coating device, the support part may have a recess on its upper surface, and the discharge port may be disposed on the surface of the recess. Also, in the coating device, the discharge port may be disposed at a position including the lowest point of the inner bottom surface of the recess. The medical device may be a catheter. Effect of the Invention

[0018] In the method for manufacturing a medical device according to the present invention, by actively discharging at least a portion of the remaining liquid that has not adhered to the elongated member, the liquid discharged from the discharge port is always replaced with new liquid, and parameters such as the concentration of the liquid are easily maintained at initial settings. As a result, fresh liquid can always be adhered to the elongated member, stabilizing the coating quality. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a coating apparatus and a long member according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional end view (partial front view) of the coating apparatus and the long member shown in FIG. 1 taken along line II-II. [Diagram 3] 3 is a plan view of the support portion and the discharge port shown in FIG. 2, showing a state in which the elongated member is not supported by the support portion. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional end view showing a modified example of the support portion and the discharge port shown in FIG. 2, illustrating a state in which the elongated member is not supported by the support portion. [Diagram 5] 2 is a schematic diagram showing a modification of the coating apparatus and the long member shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional end view (partial front view) of the coating apparatus and the long member shown in FIG. 5 taken along line VI-VI. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional end view showing a modified example of the support portion and the discharge port shown in FIG. 2, illustrating a state in which the elongated member is not supported by the support portion. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a modified example of the support portion and the discharge port shown in FIG. 3, showing a state in which the elongated member is supported by the support portion. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX of the support portion, the discharge port, and the elongated member shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing another modified example of the support portion and the discharge port shown in FIG. 2, showing a state in which the elongated member is not supported by the support portion. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional end view showing another modified example of the support portion and the discharge port shown in FIG. 2, illustrating a state in which the elongated member is not supported by the support portion. [Figure 12] 12 is a plan view of the support portion and the discharge port shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] 1 is a perspective view showing a method for manufacturing a medical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 3A to 3C are cross-sectional end views (partial front views) illustrating a method for producing a medical device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 3A to 3C are cross-sectional end views (partial front views) illustrating a method for producing a medical device according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] The present invention will be described in more detail below based on the following embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and can be modified as long as it meets the purpose described above and below, and all of these modifications are included in the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, hatching and component symbols may be omitted in each drawing for convenience, but in such cases, the specification and other drawings should be referred to. In addition, the dimensions of various components in the drawings may differ from the actual dimensions because priority is given to helping understand the features of the present invention.

[0021] One embodiment of the method for producing a medical device of the present invention includes the steps of preparing a medical elongated member, a support portion capable of supporting the elongated member, and a coating device having an outlet through which a liquid to be applied to the elongated member is discharged, and the steps of discharging the liquid from the outlet onto the elongated member on the support portion while discharging the liquid from the outlet, and the amount of the liquid discharged from the remaining liquid that has not adhered to the elongated member is 50% or more of the amount of the liquid discharged from the outlet in the step of discharging the liquid from the outlet. In the method for producing a medical device of the present invention, by actively discharging at least a part of the remaining liquid that has not adhered to the elongated member, the liquid discharged from the outlet is always replaced with new liquid, and parameters such as the concentration of the liquid are easily maintained at initial settings. As a result, fresh liquid can always be applied to the elongated member, stabilizing the coating quality.

[0022] The coating method included in the method for producing a medical device according to the present invention is classified as a pre-measurement method, which can achieve an arbitrary coating thickness by applying a predetermined amount of liquid to a long member. Therefore, it is different from a post-measurement method such as dip coating. The method for producing a medical device will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 15. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a coating apparatus and a long member according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional end view (partial front view) of the coating apparatus and the long member shown in Fig. 1 along line II-II. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the support section and the discharge port shown in Fig. 2, showing a state in which the long member is not supported by the support section. Figs. 4, 7, and 11 are cross-sectional end views showing modified examples of the support section and the discharge port shown in Fig. 2, showing a state in which the long member is not supported by the support section. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing modified examples of the coating apparatus and the long member shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional end view (partial front view) of the coating apparatus and the long member shown in Fig. 5 along line VI-VI. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a modified example of the support part and the discharge port shown in FIG. 3, showing a state in which the support part supports the elongated member. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the support part, the discharge port, and the elongated member shown in FIG. 8 taken along line IX-IX. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another modified example of the support part and the discharge port shown in FIG. 2, showing a state in which the support part does not support the elongated member. FIG. 12 is a plan view of the support part and the discharge port shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a method for manufacturing a medical device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 14 to 15 are cut end views (partial front views) showing a method for manufacturing a medical device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Note that the liquid discharged from the discharge port is omitted in FIG. 8.

[0023] First, the elongated member 40 to be coated will be described. The elongated member 40 is not particularly limited as long as it is a member for forming a medical device. Medical devices include, for example, those called catheters, guidewires, tubes, stents, pipes, and rods. Examples of catheters include balloon catheters, cannulas, stent delivery catheters, and microcatheters.

[0024] The long member 40 has a first end 41 and a second end 42 in the longitudinal axis direction u. The outer diameter of the long member 40 may be constant throughout the longitudinal axis direction u, or the outer diameter may vary depending on the position in the longitudinal axis direction u. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the long member 40 may have a large diameter portion 43 and a small diameter portion 44. Since Fig. 1 shows a long member 40 for forming a balloon catheter, the large diameter portion 43 has a straight tube portion 431 and tapered portions 432 on both sides of the straight tube portion 431.

[0025] The elongated member 40 may be in a tubular shape having one or more internal cavities. The elongated member 40 may be in a solid shape. The elongated member 40 may be flexible. The elongated member 40 may be elastic.

[0026] The long member 40 is preferably made of a resin or a metal. Examples of resins constituting the long member 40 include polyamide resins, polyester resins, polyurethane resins, polyolefin resins, fluorine resins, vinyl chloride resins, silicone resins, and natural rubber. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Examples of metals constituting the long member 40 include stainless steels such as SUS304 and SUS316, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, titanium, tungsten, gold, Ni-Ti alloys, Co-Cr alloys, and combinations thereof.

[0027] The type of liquid applied to the long member 40, i.e., the coating liquid, is not particularly limited, and for example, silicone resin, urethane resin, acrylic resin, fluororesin, or a mixture thereof diluted with a solvent can be used. The liquid may contain a drug or additive. The type of liquid can be selected in consideration of the functions required of the coating, such as improving the operability of the long member 40, such as the sliding properties, protection and reinforcement of the long member 40, ease of handling during coating, etc.

[0028] Next, a configuration example of a coating device 1 used for manufacturing a medical device will be described. The coating device 1 has a support part 2 and a discharge port 15. The support part 2 is a part capable of supporting the long member 40. In other words, the support part 2 supports the long member 40 from below in the vertical direction n. The present invention includes a case where at least a part of the long member 40 placed on the support part 2 does not fall off the support part 2 and remains on the support part 2. Note that the present invention also includes a case where the support part 2 is not always in contact with the long member 40, for example, a case where the long member 40 is coated while rotating and the long member 40 is temporarily separated from the support part 2 by centrifugal force, resulting in non-contact.

[0029] The support part 2 can be composed of one or more members. The support part 2 may have a shape such as a block shape, a plate shape, a table shape, etc. The support part 2 may have a support surface 3 with which the elongated member 40 comes into contact. The support surface 3 may be a flat surface or a curved surface. When the support surface 3 is a flat surface, the support surface 3 may be parallel to the horizontal direction m or may be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction m. When the support surface 3 is a curved surface, the support surface 3 may be curved or bent. The support part 2 may support the elongated member 40 at a point or a surface. The support surface 3 may have a shape that follows the outer surface shape of the elongated member 40.

[0030] The support part 2 only needs to be configured to support at least a portion of the elongated member 40 in the longitudinal axis direction u, and does not need to support the entire elongated member 40 in the longitudinal axis direction u. For example, it is preferable that the support part 2 is capable of supporting the elongated member 40 between the first end 41 and the second end 42. The support part 2 may support the elongated member 40 at one point in the longitudinal axis direction u, or may support multiple points.

[0031] The support part 2 is preferably movable in the longitudinal axis direction u of the elongated member 40. A rail may be arranged above or below the support part 2, and the support part 2 may move along the rail. The support part 2 may be movable in the radial direction of the elongated member 40. The support part 2 may be movable in the horizontal direction m or in the vertical direction n. The support part may be movable in the circumferential direction of the elongated member 40. When the coating apparatus 1 has a plurality of support parts 2, the plurality of support parts 2 may be movable together or separately.

[0032] In order to move the support part 2, the support part 2 may have a drive mechanism 10. The drive mechanism 10 is connected to a control unit 35, and the movement of the support part 2 is controlled by the control unit 35. The drive mechanism 10 preferably includes an actuator of one or more axes that drives the support part 2. The actuator may include mechanical elements such as a motor, a linear guide, a ball screw, a timing belt pulley, a slider, and a rack and pinion.

[0033] The coating apparatus 1 is required to have at least one support part 2, and may have multiple support parts 2. One support part 2 may support one elongated member 40, or multiple support parts 2 may support one elongated member 40. When the coating apparatus 1 has multiple support parts 2, it is preferable that each of the multiple support parts 2 supports one elongated member 40. The multiple support parts 2 are preferably aligned in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction u of the elongated member 40. The multiple support parts 2 may be aligned in the horizontal direction m.

[0034] In Figures 2 and 3, the support part 2 has a recess 5 on its upper surface. A part of the surface 6 of the recess 5 functions as the support surface 3. The recess 5 has a depth direction, a length direction, and a width direction. The depth direction of the recess 5 is parallel to the vertical direction n. The length direction of the recess 5 is parallel to the direction of the axis x of the coating apparatus 1. The width direction of the recess 5 is a direction perpendicular to the depth direction and the length direction, and is the left-right direction on the paper surface of Figure 2. By placing a long member 40 in the recess 5, the long member 40 can be supported by the recess 5. In detail, the long member 40 is supported by the inner bottom surface 7 of the recess 5.

[0035] The surface 6 of the recess 5 may be curved or bent as long as at least a part of the surface 6 is bent to form a concave shape. As shown in FIG. 2, the surface 6 of the recess 5 may be formed in a U-shape. The surface 6 of the recess 5 may have a portion extending in the vertical direction n on both sides of the width direction of the recess 5. The portion extending in the vertical direction n can restrict the movement of the elongated member 40 in the width direction of the recess 5. As shown in FIG. 4, the surface 6 of the recess 5 may have a portion extending from the inside to the outside in the width direction from the lower side to the upper side in the vertical direction n on both sides of the width direction of the surface 6 of the recess 5.

[0036] The support section 2 may have a plurality of recesses 5. In this case, the plurality of recesses 5 may be aligned in the longitudinal axis direction u of the elongated member 40. With this configuration, one elongated member 40 can be supported by the plurality of recesses 5. Furthermore, when the support section 2 has a driving mechanism 10 and the support section 2 has a plurality of recesses 5, the plurality of recesses 5 can be moved simultaneously by the single driving mechanism 10. The plurality of recesses 5 may be aligned in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction u of the elongated member 40, for example, in the horizontal direction m. With this configuration, each of the plurality of elongated members 40 can be supported by one recess 5.

[0037] The material constituting the support part 2 is not particularly limited, and it can be made of metal or resin. For the material constituting the support part 2, the explanation of the material constituting the elongated member 40 can be referred to.

[0038] The discharge port 15 discharges the liquid to be applied to the long member 40. The coating apparatus 1 may have one discharge port 15 or may have multiple discharge ports 15. When the coating apparatus 1 has multiple support parts 2, it is preferable that each of the multiple support parts 2 is provided with a discharge port 15. With this configuration, multiple long members 40 can be coated simultaneously. Note that multiple discharge ports 15 may be provided for one support part 2. By using multiple discharge ports 15, multiple locations of one long member 40 can be coated simultaneously, thereby shortening the application time.

[0039] The discharge port 15 is preferably disposed on the support part 2 or above the support part 2. This configuration allows the support part 2 and the discharge port 15 to be located close to each other. Since the long member 40 can be supported near the discharge port 15, even if the long member 40 moves during application of the liquid, the movement can be restricted by the support part 2. As a result, the coating film thickness is less likely to vary and is more likely to be uniform.

[0040] The shape of the discharge port 15 is not particularly limited, and may be a circle, an oval, a polygon, or a combination of these. The oval shape includes an ellipse, an egg, and a rectangle with rounded corners.

[0041] The liquid may be discharged in liquid form or in mist form from the discharge port 15. The liquid may be discharged at a flow rate of, for example, 0.05 mL / min or more and 1 mL / min or less.

[0042] 1 to 3, the ejection port 15 is arranged in the support part 2. In detail, the support part 2 has a recess 5 on the upper surface, and the ejection port 15 is arranged in a surface 6 of the recess 5. With this configuration, the liquid can be ejected onto the elongated member 40 while the movement of the elongated member 40 is restricted by the support part 2.

[0043] The discharge port 15 may be disposed at any position in the recess 5, but is preferably disposed at a position including the lowest point of the inner bottom surface 7 of the recess 5, as shown in Fig. 2. By disposing the discharge port 15 at a portion of the support part 2 that is likely to come into contact with the elongated member 40, it becomes easier to apply the liquid to the elongated member 40.

[0044] 2, it is preferable that the liquid be discharged upward from the discharge port 15. This configuration makes it easier to apply an appropriate amount of liquid to the elongated member 40, and makes it easier to achieve a uniform coating thickness.

[0045] 5 and 6, the outlet 15 may be disposed above the support part 2. In that case, the outlet 15 is preferably disposed above the support part 2 in the vertical direction n, and more preferably disposed directly above the support part 2. When the outlet 15 is disposed above the support part 2, it is preferable that the liquid is discharged downward from the outlet 15.

[0046] 7 to 9, the support part 2 is disposed around the discharge port 15 and may have a liquid pool 20 in which the liquid discharged from the discharge port 15 accumulates. When the elongated member 40 comes into contact with a liquid pool 52 in the liquid pool 20, coating of the elongated member 40 becomes easier.

[0047] 7, the liquid discharged from the discharge port 15 is preferably in the form of droplets in the liquid pool 20. The droplets may be, for example, hemispherical.

[0048] As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, a protrusion 9 may be disposed on the surface 6 of the recess 5 of the support part 2 at both ends of the recess 5 in the length direction relative to the discharge port 15. The portion sandwiched between the two protrusions 9, i.e., the portion lower than the two protrusions 9, may be a liquid pool 20. In Fig. 8, the liquid pool 20 is shown by cross hatching. The protrusion 9 functions as a wall for forming a liquid pool 52 on the support part 2. By providing the protrusion 9 to form the liquid pool 20 in this way, the liquid can be pooled over a wider area than the discharge port 15, so that the long member 40 can easily come into contact with the liquid pool 52, and it is possible to further prevent uncoated areas. The protrusion 9 may protrude from the surface 6 of the recess 5 so as to extend upward in the vertical direction n, or may protrude from the surface 6 of the recess 5 so as to extend in the normal direction of the surface 6. The surface of the protrusion 9 may function as the support surface 3 of the long member 40. In that case, the surface of the protrusion 9 may have a shape that follows the outer surface shape of the long member 40.

[0049] In FIG. 1, the coating apparatus 1 has a liquid supply unit 21 connected to the discharge port 15. The liquid supply unit 21 has a storage unit 22 that stores the coating liquid 50, and a supply pipe 23 connected to the storage unit 22. The storage unit 22 and the supply pipe 23 may be connected to a pump 24. The pump 24 is connected to a control unit 35 and supplies a predetermined amount of the liquid 50 to the supply pipe 23. Examples of the pump 24 include a syringe pump and a tube pump. In FIG. 2, an internal flow path 8 is provided inside the support unit 2 and below the discharge port 15. A first end of the internal flow path 8 is connected to the discharge port 15, and a second end of the internal flow path 8 is connected to the supply pipe 23. In FIG. 5, the supply pipe 23 is disposed above the support unit 2, a first end of the supply pipe 23 is connected to the discharge port 15, and a second end of the supply pipe 23 is connected to the storage unit 22.

[0050] The inner diameters of the internal flow passage 8 and the supply pipe 23 are not particularly limited, but can be set to, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less.

[0051] 1 and 5, the coating apparatus 1 may have a recovery section 30 for recovering the residual liquid 51 that has not adhered to the elongated member 40. The recovery section 30 may be a container such as a saucer or tray, a tank, or a groove such as a pit that can receive the residual liquid 51. The recovery section 30 preferably has a wall for temporarily storing the residual liquid 51.

[0052] The collection unit 30 is disposed below the discharge port 15. The collection unit 30 may move in accordance with the movement of the discharge port 15 in the longitudinal axis direction u. In this case, it is preferable that the collection unit 30 is also connected to the drive mechanism 10.

[0053] It is preferable that the recovery section 30 communicates with the discharge port 15. With this configuration, the liquid recovered in the recovery section 30 can be transferred to the discharge port 15 side and reused.

[0054] The collection unit 30 may have a discharge unit 31 through which the residual liquid collected in the collection unit 30 is discharged. The configuration of the discharge unit 31 is not particularly limited, and may be an openable and closable opening formed on the bottom or side of the collection unit 30. The discharge unit 31 may be connected to the liquid supply unit 21 in order to transfer the residual liquid collected in the collection unit 30 to the liquid supply unit 21. The discharge unit 31 can be connected to the liquid supply unit 21 via a pipe or a pump.

[0055] The recovery unit 30 is preferably connected to the liquid adjustment unit 32, and more preferably, the recovery unit 30 is connected to the liquid adjustment unit 32 via the discharge unit 31. The residual liquid 51 is preferably transferred to the liquid supply unit 21 after parameters such as concentration are adjusted in the liquid adjustment unit 32.

[0056] It is preferable that the discharge port 15 is movable in the longitudinal axis direction u of the elongated member 40. This allows coating to be performed along the longitudinal axis direction u of the elongated member 40. The discharge port 15 may move from the first end 41 side to the second end 42 side of the elongated member 40 as indicated by arrow A in Fig. 1, or may move from the second end 42 side to the first end 41 side.

[0057] The discharge port 15 may be movable in the radial direction of the elongated member 40. This makes it easier to move the discharge port 15 along the shape of the elongated member 40, and makes it easier to make the coating film thickness uniform.

[0058] 1 and 2, it is preferable that the discharge port 15 is movable together with the support part 2. By allowing the discharge port 15 to follow the movement of the support part 2, it becomes easier to discharge the liquid onto the elongated member 40 while the movement of the elongated member 40 is regulated by the support part 2.

[0059] 5 and 6, when the discharge port 15 is disposed in a member separate from the support part 2, the supply pipe 23 communicating with the discharge port 15 may be connected to the drive mechanism 10 to which the support part 2 is connected, or to a second drive mechanism (not shown) separate from the drive mechanism 10. In that case, the discharge port 15 may be movable separately from the support part 2.

[0060] The coating apparatus 1 may further include a first holding part 25 that holds a first end 41 side of the long member 40 in the longitudinal axis direction u, and a second holding part 26 that holds a second end 42 side of the long member 40 in the longitudinal axis direction u. With this configuration, the long member 40 is stably held during coating, so that displacement of the long member 40 with respect to the discharge port 15 can be prevented.

[0061] The first holding part 25 and the second holding part 26 may have a mechanism capable of holding and releasing the elongated member 40 or the core material 28 described later, and may hold the elongated member 40 or the core material 28 by, for example, pinching, squeezing, sucking, fitting, or the like. The first holding part 25 or the second holding part 26 may be composed of one or more members. The first holding part 25 and the second holding part 26 may each have chuck pieces facing each other in the horizontal direction m or the vertical direction n. In FIG. 1, the first holding part 25 has chuck pieces 251 and 252, and the second holding part 26 has chuck pieces 261 and 262.

[0062] It is preferable that at least one of the first holding unit 25 and the second holding unit 26 has a rotation mechanism 27 that rotates the elongated member 40. With this configuration, the coating can be performed while rotating the elongated member 40, making it easier to apply the liquid uniformly in the circumferential direction of the elongated member 40. Note that while an example in which the second holding unit 26 has the rotation mechanism 27 is shown in FIG. 1, the first holding unit 25 may have the rotation mechanism 27, or the first holding unit 25 and the second holding unit 26 may each have the rotation mechanism 27.

[0063] The rotation mechanism 27 may revolve the elongated member 40 around the axis x of the coating device 1, or may rotate the elongated member 40 around the center of its longitudinal axis. The direction of the axis x of the coating device 1 may be parallel to the horizontal direction m. The direction of the axis x may be a direction from the first holding part 25 to the second holding part 26. The direction of the axis x may be parallel to the longitudinal axis direction u of the elongated member 40. The direction of the axis x may be the longitudinal axis direction of the core material 28 before the elongated member 40 is revolved. The rotation mechanism 27 includes an actuator such as a motor that drives the first holding part 25 or the second holding part 26. For the configuration of the actuator, the description of the drive mechanism 10 can be referred to.

[0064] The first holding part 25 and the second holding part 26 may hold the elongated member 40 directly or indirectly via another member. In Fig. 1, the first holding part 25 directly holds the end part of the elongated member 40 on the first end 41 side, and the second holding part 26 directly holds the end part of the elongated member 40 on the second end 42 side. Since liquid is not applied to the first held part 47 of the elongated member 40 held by the first holding part 25 and the second held part 48 held by the second holding part 26, the first and second held parts 47, 48 may be removed after application is completed.

[0065] In FIG. 5, the long member 40 has an inner cavity extending in the longitudinal direction, and the coating apparatus 1 further has a long core material 28 disposed in the inner cavity of the long member 40. The core material 28 has a first end 281 and a second end 282 in the longitudinal direction. The core material 28 is passed through the inner cavity of the long member 40, and the first end 281 side of the core material 28 extends from the first end 41 of the long member 40, and the second end 282 side of the core material 28 extends from the second end 42 of the long member 40. The first holding part 25 holds the end of the core material 28 on the first end 281 side, and the second holding part 26 holds the end of the core material 28 on the second end 282 side. By holding the long member 40 through the core material 28 in this manner, it is possible to coat the entire long member 40 in the longitudinal axis direction u. In addition, since the elongated member 40 is not directly held, damage to the surface of the elongated member 40 can be prevented.

[0066] The core material 28 is a long rod-like member. The core material 28 may be solid or hollow. For the material constituting the core material 28, the description of the material constituting the long member 40 can be referred to.

[0067] The coating apparatus 1 preferably has a control unit 35 that controls the operation of each unit constituting the coating apparatus 1. In detail, the control unit 35 is connected to at least one of the liquid supply unit 21, the rotation mechanism 27 included in at least one of the first holding unit 25 or the second holding unit 26, the drive mechanism 10 that drives the support unit 2, the recovery unit 30, the discharge unit 31, and the liquid adjustment unit 32. Note that, unlike FIG. 1, FIG. 5 omits the fact that the recovery unit 30 and the liquid adjustment unit 32 are connected to the control unit 35.

[0068] The functions of the control unit 35 may be realized by hardware or software. An example of the hardware is a logic circuit formed in an integrated circuit.

[0069] The coating apparatus 1 may include a computer that executes instructions of a program, which is software for realizing the functions of the control unit 35. The computer preferably includes a processor and a computer-readable recording medium storing the above program. The processor executes the program stored in the computer-readable recording medium, thereby realizing the above functions. The processor may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The recording medium may be a ROM (Read Only Memory) or the like. The recording medium may also include a RAM (Random Access Memory). The above program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium capable of transmitting the program. Examples of the transmission medium include a communication network and a communication line.

[0070] The coating apparatus 1 may be provided with an element for restricting movement of the elongated member 40 in a direction other than the downward direction of the vertical direction n. For example, as shown in Fig. 10 to Fig. 12, the coating apparatus 1 preferably further includes a pressing unit 11 that presses the elongated member 40 from above. The pressing unit 11 can press the elongated member 40 from a direction different from that of the support unit 2, making it easier to restrict the movement of the elongated member 40.

[0071] The pressing portion 11 is a portion that comes into contact with the elongated member 40. The pressing portion 11 may be in point contact, line contact, or surface contact with the elongated member 40. The pressing portion 11 may be attached to a member separate from the support portion 2 as shown in Fig. 10, or may be disposed on the support portion 2 as shown in Figs. 11 and 12.

[0072] The pressing portion 11 may extend in the longitudinal axis direction u of the elongated member 40, or may extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction u. The pressing portion 11 may also extend in the circumferential direction of the elongated member 40.

[0073] The holding unit 11 may hold the elongated member 40 by using the drive of a motor connected to the holding unit 11, or may hold the elongated member 40 by its own weight. Moreover, by configuring the holding unit 11 from an elastic body such as a spring or rubber, the holding unit 11 may hold the elongated member 40 by using the biasing force of the elastic body.

[0074] For the material constituting the pressing portion 11, the explanation of the material constituting the elongated member 40 can be referred to. In order to improve sliding on the elongated member 40, the pressing portion 11 is preferably made of a metal such as stainless steel, such as SUS304 or SUS316. In addition, in order to prevent the elongated member 40 from being scratched, the pressing portion 11 may be made of rubber or elastomer. The pressing portion 11 and the support portion 2 may be made of the same material or different materials.

[0075] When the support part 2 is movable in the longitudinal axis direction u of the elongated member 40, it is preferable that the pressing part 11 is arranged on the side of the moving direction A of the support part 2 relative to the discharge port 15 in the longitudinal axis direction u. By arranging the pressing part 11 in this manner, the uncoated portion of the elongated member 40 can be pressed by the pressing part 11. Since the pressing part 11 is less likely to come into contact with the coated portion of the elongated member 40, it is possible to enhance the effects of preventing the coating from peeling off and making the coating thickness uniform.

[0076] It is preferable that the holding portion 11 is movable in the longitudinal axis direction u of the elongated member 40. It is also preferable that the holding portion 11 is movable in the radial direction of the elongated member 40. It is further preferable that the holding portion 11 is movable in the vertical direction n. This makes it easier to move the holding portion 11 along the shape of the elongated member 40. In FIG. 10, the holding portion 11 is shown to be movable in the upward direction B because it is located at the lowest position, but it is of course also possible for the holding portion 11 to be movable in the downward direction.

[0077] It is preferable that the holding portion 11 is movable together with the support portion 2. By having the holding portion 11 follow the movement of the support portion 2, it becomes easier to regulate the movement of the elongated member 40. It is also preferable that the holding portion 11 is movable together with the discharge port 15. By having the holding portion 11 follow the movement of the discharge port 15, it becomes easier to discharge the liquid onto the elongated member 40 while the holding portion 11 regulates the movement of the elongated member 40.

[0078] When the support part 2 is movable in the longitudinal axis direction u of the elongated member 40, it is preferable that the coating apparatus 1 further has an attachment part 12 that is connected to the support part 2 and extends in the traveling direction A of the support part 2, for attaching the pressing part 11 to the support part 2, as shown in Fig. 10. The pressing part 11 can be attached to the support part 2 via the attachment part 12. In addition, since the attachment part 12 extends in the traveling direction A of the support part 2, it becomes easier for the pressing part 11 to press the uncoated portion of the elongated member 40.

[0079] The mounting part 12 may have, for example, a plate shape, a block shape, or an arm shape as long as it has a shape extending from the support part 2 in the moving direction of the support part 2. The mounting part 12 may be attached to the pressing part 11 or the support part 2 by a method such as crimping, adhesion, engagement, or fitting.

[0080] It is preferable that the attachment part 12 does not come into contact with the elongated member 40. The attachment position of the attachment part 12 relative to the support part 2 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the attachment part 12 is disposed on the upper part of the support part 2 to prevent contact with the elongated member 40.

[0081] 10, the coating apparatus 1 may further include a shaft 13 extending in a vertical direction n, and the pressing unit 11 may be disposed at a lower end of the shaft 13. In this case, it is preferable that the shaft 13 is movable in the vertical direction n. By moving the shaft 13 in the vertical direction n relative to the support unit 2, it becomes easier to move the pressing unit 11 along the shape of the elongated member 40.

[0082] There may be one or more shafts 13. For example, two shafts 13 may be arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction u of the elongated member 40, and the pressing portion 11 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction u so as to connect the lower ends of the two shafts 13 to each other.

[0083] When the coating apparatus 1 further has a shaft 13 extending in the vertical direction n and the pressing part 11 is disposed at the lower end of the shaft 13, it is preferable that the mounting part 12 has a through hole 121 penetrating in the vertical direction n and the shaft 13 is inserted into the through hole 121. Since the shaft 13 is easily held by the mounting part 12, the pressing part 11 can be moved stably.

[0084] The through hole 121 is preferably disposed in a portion of the attachment portion 12 that extends further in the traveling direction A than the support portion 2. This makes it easier to insert the shaft 13 through the through hole 121.

[0085] In order to prevent the shaft 13 from slipping out of the through hole 121 , the upper end of the shaft 13 may be provided with a large diameter portion 131 having an outer diameter larger than that of the through hole 121 .

[0086] 11 and 12, when the support part 2 has a recess 5 on its upper surface, it is preferable that the pressing part 11 is a protrusion 14 disposed on the surface 6 of the recess 5. By providing the protrusion 14 in this manner, the width inside the recess 5 can also be narrowed, so that the movement of the elongated member 40 during coating can be restricted by the support part 2 and the protrusion 14.

[0087] Only one protrusion 14 may be provided on the support part 2, or multiple protrusions 14 may be provided. Two protrusions 14 are provided in Figures 11 and 12. When multiple protrusions 14 are provided on the support part 2, the protrusion directions of the multiple protrusions 14 may be the same or different from each other.

[0088] The projections 14 may have a narrower width towards their tips, or may have the same width towards their tips.

[0089] The multiple protrusions 14 are preferably arranged so that their tips face each other. By facing the multiple protrusions 14, the width inside the recess 5 can be easily narrowed, and therefore the movement of the elongated member 40 can be easily restricted.

[0090] When the two protrusions 14 face each other, the distance between the tips of the protrusions 14 is preferably smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the elongated member 40. The protrusions 14 make it easier to restrict the movement of the elongated member 40.

[0091] 11 and 12, the protrusions 14 preferably protrude from the surface 6 of the recess 5 so as to extend in the horizontal direction m or in the normal direction to the surface 6 of the recess 5. With this configuration, the elongated member 40 that moves during coating can easily come into contact with the protrusions 14, making it easier to regulate the movement of the elongated member 40.

[0092] The protrusion 14 may be a part of the recess 5 of the support part 2 , or may be formed by an element separate from the support part 2 .

[0093] The protrusions 14 may be configured to be able to protrude and retract from the surface 6 of the recess 5. This allows the protrusions 14 to protrude from the surface 6 of the recess 5 during coating to restrict the movement of the elongated member 40, and allows the protrusions 14 to be stored in the support part 2 before and after coating, making it easier to set and remove the elongated member 40.

[0094] It is sufficient that the protrusion 14 is disposed above the lowest point of the inner bottom surface 7 of the recess 5 and below the highest point of the support part 2. It is preferable that the protrusion 14 is disposed on the upper side when the region from the highest point to the lowest point of the surface 6 of the recess 5 is divided into two equal parts in the vertical direction n.

[0095] When the supporting portion 2 supports the portion of the elongated member 40 having the maximum outer diameter, the lower end of the projection 14 is preferably disposed above the upper end of the elongated member 40 .

[0096] A protrusion 14 may be provided on the surface 6 of the recess 5 of the support part 2, and a pressing part 11 for pressing the elongated member 40 may be provided on the side of the protrusion 14 in the traveling direction A of the support part 2.

[0097] Next, a description will be given of a method for manufacturing a medical device using the above-mentioned coating apparatus 1. First, as shown in Fig. 1, a medical elongated member 40, a supporting part 2 capable of supporting the elongated member 40, and a coating apparatus 1 having a discharge port 15 from which a liquid 50 to be applied to the elongated member 40 is discharged are prepared (Step 1).

[0098] 1 and 2, it is preferable to place a part of the elongated member 40 on the supporting part 2 (Step 2). At this time, it is preferable that the elongated member 40 is in contact with the supporting surface 3 of the supporting part 2.

[0099] In step 2, it is preferable to hold the elongated member 40 in the coating apparatus 1. In detail, it is more preferable to hold the first end 41 side of the elongated member 40 by the first holding part 25 and the second end 42 side of the elongated member 40 by the second holding part 26 as shown in Fig. 1. The elongated member 40 may be held directly as shown in Fig. 1, or may be held indirectly via a core material 28 as shown in Fig. 5.

[0100] 7, liquid may be discharged from the discharge port 15 before step 2 to form a liquid pool 52 as shown in Fig. 7. In that case, it is preferable to place a part of the elongated member 40 on the support part 2 so that the elongated member 40 contacts the liquid pool 52 in step 2.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 13, while discharging liquid 50 from discharge port 15 onto elongated member 40 resting on support portion 2, residual liquid 51 that has not adhered to elongated member 40 is discharged (step 3). By carrying out step 3, it is possible to apply a coating to the surface of elongated member 40. In step 3, the amount of discharged liquid V out of residual liquid 51 that has not adhered to elongated member 40 is out is the amount V of the liquid 50 discharged from the discharge port 15. inIn this manufacturing method, by actively discharging at least a portion of the remaining liquid 51 that has not adhered to the long member 40, the liquid 50 discharged from the discharge port 15 is always replaced with new liquid, and parameters such as the concentration of the liquid are easily maintained at initial settings. As a result, fresh liquid can always be adhered to the long member 40, stabilizing the coating quality.

[0102] In this specification, the liquid discharged from the discharge port 15 is divided into liquid that adheres to the long member 40 and remaining liquid 51 that does not adhere to the long member 40. The remaining liquid 51 that does not adhere to the long member 40 is divided into discharged liquid and liquid that is not discharged. Here, of the remaining liquid 51, the discharged liquid refers to the liquid that does not remain on the support part 2 but flows, and the not discharged liquid refers to the liquid that remains on the support part 2.

[0103] In this specification, the amount of liquid is expressed as volume (unit: mL or mm 3 ), and the same applies to the following explanation. The amount V of the liquid 50 discharged from the discharge port 15 in can be calculated by multiplying the volume flow rate (unit: mL / sec) of the liquid 50 discharged from the discharge port 15 by the discharge time (unit: sec). out may be measured using a known volume meter, or may be calculated from the liquid level of the liquid collected in the collection unit 30 and the internal shape of the collection unit 30. stay In the case where there is a liquid pool 20 on the support part 2, the volume of the liquid in the liquid pool 20 can be measured. In the case where there is no liquid pool 20 on the support part 2 and liquid remains on the support part 2 due to surface tension, the liquid level of the remaining liquid can be measured, and the volume of the liquid can be measured from the surface shape of the support part 2 and the liquid level height. A known liquid level sensor can be used to measure the liquid level. Taking into account the volatility of the liquid 50 discharged from the discharge port 15, V out and V stay The measurement shall be performed within 15 minutes after the end of Step 3.

[0104] In step 3, the amount of liquid V that is discharged from the remaining liquid 51 that does not adhere to the elongated member 40 is out is the amount V of the liquid 50 discharged from the discharge port 15. in It may be 55% or more, 60% or more, or 95% or less, 90% or less, or 80% or less. By actively replacing the liquid 50 discharged from the discharge port 15 with new liquid in this manner, it becomes easier to stabilize the coating quality.

[0105] In step 3, the amount of liquid V that is not discharged from the remaining liquid 51 that does not adhere to the elongated member 40 is stay That is, the amount of liquid remaining on the support portion 2 is the amount V of the liquid 50 discharged from the discharge port 15. in It is sufficient that the ratio is less than 50%, and it may be less than 45%, or less than 40%, or it may be more than 5%, or more than 10%, or more than 20%.

[0106] In step 3, the amount of liquid V that is discharged from the remaining liquid 51 that does not adhere to the elongated member 40 is out is the amount of liquid adhering to the elongated member 40 V coat It is preferable that the amount of the liquid discharged from the discharge port 15 is 500% or more. By actively replacing the liquid 50 discharged from the discharge port 15 with new liquid in this manner, it becomes easier to stabilize the coating quality. out is the amount of liquid adhering to the elongated member 40 V coat The amount V of the liquid adhering to the elongated member 40 may be 600% or more, 700% or more, or may be 1500% or less, 1300% or less, or 1000% or less. coat (Unit: mL or mm 3 ) is V in -V out -V stay It can be calculated by the following formula.

[0107] When the discharge port 15 of the coating apparatus 1 is disposed in the support part 2, it is preferable that the liquid is discharged upward from the discharge port 15 in step 3. This makes it easier to apply an appropriate amount of liquid to the elongated member 40 and makes it easier to achieve a uniform coating thickness.

[0108] In step 3, it is preferable to eject the liquid while moving the ejection port 15 in the longitudinal axis direction u of the long member 40, and it is more preferable to eject the liquid while moving the support part 2 and the ejection port 15 in the longitudinal axis direction u of the long member 40. Also, in step 3, it is preferable to eject the liquid while moving the long member 40 in the longitudinal axis direction u of the long member 40. This makes it possible to apply the coating to a wide range of the long member 40 in the longitudinal axis direction u.

[0109] In step 3, the liquid may be discharged while moving the discharge port 15 in the radial direction of the elongated member 40. Alternatively, in step 3, the liquid may be discharged while moving the discharge port 15 in the circumferential direction of the elongated member 40.

[0110] In step 3, the long member 40 may be rotated. For example, the long member 40 may be rotated around the axis of its longitudinal axis. In FIG. 13, the direction of rotation is indicated by arrow C. By rotating in this manner, it becomes easier to uniformly coat the entire circumference of the long member 40. In addition, the rotation operation makes it easier for the solvent in the liquid attached to the surface of the long member 40 to volatilize, shortening the drying process after coating and the overall lead time, thereby contributing to improved productivity. The long member 40 can be rotated by a rotation mechanism 27 that is preferably provided in at least one of the first holding unit 25 and the second holding unit 26.

[0111] The maximum rotational speed of the elongated member 40 may be, for example, 50 rpm or more, 100 rpm or more, 200 rpm or more, and 1200 rpm or less, 1100 rpm or less, or 1000 rpm or less.

[0112] In step 3, the thickness of the liquid applied to the elongated member 40 (the thickness of the coating) can be set according to the application of the medical device, and may be, for example, 0.01 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

[0113] When the coating apparatus 1 has a recovery section 30 disposed below the discharge port 15 for recovering the residual liquid 51, it is preferable to recover the residual liquid 51 in the recovery section 30 in step 3, and it is more preferable to recover the discharged liquid of the residual liquid 51 in the recovery section 30. This allows the residual liquid 51 to be reused, thereby reducing the amount of liquid to be disposed of.

[0114] In the coating apparatus 1, it is preferable that the recovery section 30 communicates with the discharge port 15, and the liquid recovered in the recovery section 30 in step 3 is discharged from the discharge port 15. This allows the residual liquid 51 to be reused, thereby reducing the amount of liquid to be disposed of.

[0115] In step 3, the liquid recovered in the recovery section 30 is preferably transferred to a liquid adjustment section 32. In the liquid adjustment section 32, parameters such as the concentration of the remaining liquid can be adjusted.

[0116] In step 3 , a mixture of the liquid collected in collection unit 30 and the liquid stored in storage unit 22 may be discharged from discharge port 15 .

[0117] In step 3, the collection unit 30 may also move in conjunction with the movement of the discharge port 15.

[0118] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, in step 3, liquid 50 may be discharged from outlet 15 to form puddle 52. If outlet 15 is disposed in support 2, surface tension may act on the remaining liquid 51 that is not discharged, forming puddle 52 above outlet 15, as shown in Figure 7. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 8 to 9, the remaining liquid 51 that is not discharged may be pooled in pool portion 20 formed by protrusion 9 on support 2 to form pool 52.

[0119] In step 3, it is preferable to bring the long member 40 into contact with the liquid pool 52. By bringing the long member 40 into contact with the liquid pool 52, the liquid in the liquid pool is easily spilled, and fresh liquid is easily discharged from the discharge port 15 at all times. In addition, the liquid is easily attached to a wide area of ​​the surface of the long member 40, and the coating time can be shortened. Furthermore, the liquid in the liquid pool 52 is stirred by the long member 40 coming into contact with the liquid pool 52, and the coating concentration of the liquid in the liquid pool 52 is also made uniform. Note that, in step 3, it is preferable for the long member 40 to always be in contact with the liquid pool 52. By always being in contact with the liquid pool 52, the liquid is easily attached to a wide area of ​​the surface of the long member 40, preventing uncoated areas and making the film thickness uniform, and the coating time can be shortened.

[0120] In step 3, the long member 40 may be moved so that a part of the outer periphery of the long member 40 comes into contact with the liquid pool 52, as shown in Fig. 14. In detail, in step 3, it is preferable to rotate the long member 40 while only a part of the outer periphery of the long member 40 comes into contact with the liquid pool 52, as shown in Fig. 14. By moving the long member 40 in this manner, it becomes easier to coat the entire outer periphery of the long member 40. In this case, it is preferable that the long member 40 is held by the first holding part 25 and the second holding part 26 so as to rotate.

[0121] In step 3, the discharge port 15 or the elongated member 40 may be moved so that the elongated member 40 passes through a liquid pool 52, as shown in Fig. 15. By moving the discharge port 15 or the elongated member 40 in this manner, the entire outer periphery of the elongated member 40 passes through a liquid pool having a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the elongated member 40 so as to be immersed therein, and therefore the entire outer periphery of the elongated member 40 can be coated at once.

[0122] When the long member 40 has a large diameter portion 43 and a small diameter portion 44 as shown in Fig. 1, in step 3, it is preferable to rotate the long member 40 while bringing only a part of the outer periphery of the long member 40 into contact with the liquid pool 52 for the large diameter portion 43 as shown in Fig. 14, and to move the discharge port 15 or the long member 40 so as to pass through the liquid pool 52 for the small diameter portion 44 as shown in Fig. 15. This allows the long member 40 having the large diameter portion 43 and the small diameter portion 44 to be efficiently coated.

[0123] In step 3, the moving speed of the outlet 15 in the longitudinal axis direction u when the small diameter portion 44 is coated may be faster than the moving speed of the outlet 15 in the longitudinal axis direction u when the large diameter portion 43 is coated.

[0124] In step 3, it is preferable to allow the liquid to overflow from the liquid pool 52. By allowing the liquid to overflow from the liquid pool 52 in this manner, the liquid 50 discharged from the discharge port 15 is replaced with new liquid, making it easier to stabilize the coating quality. It is preferable that the liquid overflowing from the liquid pool flows downward and is collected in the collection unit 30.

[0125] If the coating apparatus 1 has a liquid supply unit 21 connected to the discharge port 15, it is preferable to cause the liquid in the liquid pool 52 to flow back toward the liquid supply unit 21 after step 3 (step 4). Step 4 makes it possible to prepare for coating the next batch of elongated members 40. It is also possible to prevent the liquid from overflowing from the discharge port 15 after coating is completed. It is more preferable that step 4 is performed after coating of the elongated members 40 is completed.

[0126] After step 4, it is preferable to discharge liquid 50 from the discharge port 15 to form a new liquid puddle 52 (step 5). It is preferable to perform step 5 before starting coating of the next batch of elongated members 40. This allows the coating of the next batch to start smoothly.

[0127] After step 3, the long member 40 may be rotated (step 6) without discharging liquid from the discharge port 15. This rotation operation facilitates volatilization of the solvent in the liquid adhering to the surface of the long member 40, thereby shortening the drying process after coating and the overall lead time.

[0128] When the elongated member 40 is directly held by the first holding portion 25 and the second holding portion 26, it is preferable to remove the first held portion 47 and the second held portion 48 of the elongated member 40 (Step 7).

[0129] The first held portion 47 and the second held portion 48 can be removed by cutting the elongated member 40. To cut the elongated member 40, a blade such as a knife, a razor, or scissors, or a heat source such as a laser, ultrasonic wave, or a heater can be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 1: Coating equipment 2: Support part 5: Recess 6: Surface 7: Inner bottom surface 11: Clamp 12: Mounting part 13: Shaft 14: Protrusion 15:Discharge port 20: Liquid pool 25: 1st holding part 26:Second holding part 27: Rotation mechanism 40: Long parts 50:Liquid 51: Residual liquid

Claims

1. A step of preparing a medical elongated member, a coating device having a support part capable of supporting the elongated member, a discharge port from which a liquid to be applied to the elongated member is discharged, and a liquid supply part connected to the discharge port; a step of discharging the liquid from the discharge port onto the elongated member on the support portion, bringing the elongated member into contact with a puddle of the liquid discharged from the discharge port, and discharging remaining liquid that has not adhered to the elongated member; a step of contacting the elongated member with the liquid pool while discharging the liquid from the discharge port and discharging the remaining liquid, and then a step of causing the liquid in the liquid pool to flow back toward the liquid supply part, A method for manufacturing a medical device, wherein in a step of contacting the elongated member with the puddle while ejecting the liquid from the ejection port and draining the remaining liquid, the amount of the drained liquid among the remaining liquid is 50% or more of the amount of the liquid ejected from the ejection port.

2. 2. The manufacturing method described in claim 1, wherein in the step of contacting the elongated member with the puddle while ejecting the liquid from the ejection outlet and discharging the remaining liquid, the amount of the discharged liquid among the remaining liquid is 500% or more of the amount of liquid adhering to the elongated member.

3. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the discharge port is disposed on the support part in the coating device.

4. The manufacturing method according to claim 3 , wherein in the step of contacting the elongated member with the liquid pool while discharging the liquid from the discharge port and discharging the remaining liquid, the liquid is discharged upward from the discharge port.

5. A manufacturing method described in any one of claims 1 to 4, in the step of contacting the elongated member with the puddle while ejecting the liquid from the ejection outlet and discharging the residual liquid, the elongated member is rotated around the axis of its longitudinal axis.

6. A manufacturing method described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in a step of contacting the long member with the puddle while ejecting the liquid from the ejection outlet and discharging the residual liquid, the ejection outlet or the long member is moved so that the long member passes through the puddle.

7. A manufacturing method described in any one of claims 1 to 6, in the step of contacting the long member with the puddle while ejecting the liquid from the outlet and discharging the residual liquid, the long member is rotated while only a portion of the outer periphery of the long member is in contact with the puddle.

8. The elongated member has a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion, The manufacturing method described in claim 7, wherein in the step of contacting the long member with the puddle while ejecting the liquid from the outlet and discharging the residual liquid, the long member is rotated while contacting only a portion of the outer periphery of the long member with the puddle for the large diameter portion, and the outlet or the long member is moved so as to pass through the puddle for the small diameter portion.

9. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein in the step of contacting the elongated member with the puddle while ejecting the liquid from the ejection outlet and discharging the remaining liquid, the liquid is made to overflow from the puddle.

10. 10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of ejecting liquid from the ejection port to form a new liquid puddle after the step of backflowing the liquid in the liquid puddle.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the coating device further comprises a recovery section disposed below the discharge port and configured to recover the residual liquid.

12. In the coating apparatus, the recovery section is in communication with the discharge port, The manufacturing method according to claim 11 , wherein in the step of contacting the elongated member with the puddle while discharging the liquid from the discharge port and discharging the remaining liquid, the liquid recovered in the recovery section is discharged from the discharge port.

13. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the support part in the coating device has a recess on an upper surface thereof, and the discharge port is disposed on a surface of the recess.

14. The manufacturing method according to claim 13 , wherein the discharge port in the coating device is disposed at a position including the lowest point of the inner bottom surface of the recess.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the medical device is a catheter.

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