1.1 This guide describes recommended in vitro test procedures for coating inspection and acute particulate characterization of coated drug-eluting vascular (balloon-expandable and self-expanding) stent systems.

1.2 Recommended practices for coating inspection and acute particulate characterization include baseline (deployment) testing and simulated use testing. This guide describes the capture and analysis of particulates. This guide describes the inspection of the coated stent surface. This guide was developed for characterization and not intended for production release testing of coated drug-eluting vascular stent systems although some sections may be appropriate.

1.3 Chronic particulate characterization and coating inspection are not included herein.

1.4 Coating systems specifically designed to degrade or otherwise intentionally separate themselves from the permanent stent structure may not be fully addressed herein.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.6 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.