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.