Manufacturing processes for making medical devices having a coating gradient

摘要

Methods for forming a “coating gradient” on medical devices, such as a balloon catheter or guidewire are disclosed. The balloon portion of the catheter has a protective covering initially placed over it to prevent the balloon from receiving a first hydrophilic coating. After a first hydrophilic coating is applied, the protective covering is removed. A second hydrophilic coating could be applied to the catheter. A guidewire having less lubricity at the distal end portion also can be created. A first hydrophilic coating is applied to the elongated shaft and distal shaft section of the guidewire. After the first hydrophilic coating cures, the first hydrophilic coating is removed from a portion of the distal shaft section of the guidewire. A second hydrophillic coating can then be applied to the elongated shaft and distal shaft section of the guidewire. The second hydrophilic coating can be allowed to cure.

主权项

1. A method of providing a lubricious coating for a balloon catheter having an elongated catheter shaft and a balloon on a distal shaft section, the method comprising:
applying a protective covering over the balloon of the catheter; applying a first hydrophilic coating on the distal section of the catheter including the protective covering section; removing the protective covering from the balloon of the catheter; allowing the first hydrophilic coating to cure; applying a second hydrophilic coating over the distal shaft section of the catheter after the protective covering has been removed from the balloon; and allowing the second hydrophilic coating to cure.