The gradient coated stent 150 of the present invention provides a coated stent having a continuous coating 130 disposed on the stent elements. The continuous coating 130 includes a first coating component and a second coating component. The concentration of the first coating component varies continuously over at least part of the thickness of the continuous coating 130. The concentration of the second coating component can also vary over at least part of the thickness of the continuous coating 130. In one embodiment, the concentration of the first coating component decreases in the direction from the stent element towards the outer edge of the continuous coating 130 and the concentration of the second coating component increases in the direction from the stent element towards the outer edge of the continuous coating 130.
