An automated apparatus and method for coating medical devices such as an intravascularstent, are disclosed in the method, a 2-D image of a stent is processed to determine(1 ) paths along the stent skeletal elements by which a stent secured to a rotatingsupport element can be traversed by a dispenser head whose relative motion withrespect to the support element is along the support-element axis, such that someor all of the stent skeletal elements will be traversed (2) the relative speedsof the dispenser head and support element as the dispenser head travels alongthe paths, and (3), and positions of the dispenser head with respect to a centerlineof the stent elements as the dispenser head travels along such paths The rotationalspeed of the support and relative linear speed of the dispenser are controlledto achieve the desired coating thickness and coating coverage on the upper surfaces,and optionally, the side surfaces, of the stent elements
