The present invention is a method and device, which is suitable for use in an
operating theater just prior to implantation, for selectively applying a medical
coating to an implantable medical device, for example a stent. Disclosed is a device
for use with a stent deployed on a catheter balloon. The device is configured to
apply a medical coating of a desired thickness to the surface of a stent only.
This is done by use of a drop-on-demand inkjet printing system in association with
an optical scanning device. The device is further configured so as to, if necessary,
apply a plurality of layered coats, each layered coat being of a different coating
material, and if appropriate, different thickness. The section of the housing in
which the stent is held during the coating procedure is detachable from the housing
base. The detachable housing section may be easily cleaned and re-sterilized or
simply disposed or simply disposed of.