Stent Coating via Counterflow Radial Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stent coating methods struggle with differentiated and stable application of luminal and abluminal coatings, often resulting in detachment and reduced mechanical stability.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a spray mandrel and air nozzle to generate a counterflow region for radial deflection of the spray jet, allowing precise control over luminal and abluminal coating, with the option to move the stent, spray mandrel, or air nozzle to adjust the coating position and flow, ensuring a form-fitting, mechanically stable coating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional coating methods are used for stents, then coating application is possible, but the coating lacks mechanical stability and detaches uncontrollably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a spray mandrel that projects into the stent from one side and an air nozzle that projects into the stent from the opposing side to create a counterflow region. The air flow deflects the spray jet radially outwardly, enabling precise coating application on the luminal side while preventing uncontrolled detachment and improving coating stability.
2Manufacturing precision
If spray coating is used for stents, then coating can be applied, but differentiated luminal and abluminal coating control is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coating application by using a spray mandrel and air nozzle positioned to create a counterflow region that directs coating material specifically to the luminal side of the stent. This segmentation allows independent control of luminal and abluminal coating, achieving precise differentiation without requiring overly complex multi-component systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If uniform coating thickness is applied to stent, then simple application process is maintained, but localized drug delivery control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic control of coating parameters including spray jet deflection, air flow rate, and mandrel positioning. By adjusting the counterflow region characteristics, the system can vary coating thickness and composition locally on the stent surface, providing adaptable localized drug delivery while maintaining a relatively simple spray-based manufacturing process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable and simple application of differentiated luminal and abluminal coatings, enhancing mechanical stability and preventing uncontrolled detachment, with the ability to vary coating thickness and composition for localized drug delivery.
Implementation Method 1
coating the luminal side of the stent by introducing a spray jet via a spray mandrel and an air flow via an air nozzle such that the spray jet is deflected radially outwardly by the air flow in a counterflow region
Data Source
AI summary
A device for coating a stent, including a holder for the stent, a spraying unit comprising a spray mandrel and an air nozzle. The spray mandrel, the air nozzle and the holder are configured and disposed relative to each other such that the spray mandrel projects from one side into the stent during coating and the air nozzle projects into the stent from the opposing side. A method for coating a stent employs the device. Stents that can be obtained according to the method.