Method, apparatus, and electrolytic solution for electropolishing metallic stents
AssigneeAbbott Laboratories Vascular Enterprises Limited
InventorElena Wulf
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus, a method, and an electrolytic solution are described for electropolishing metallic stents made, for example, of high-strength medical alloys. The apparatus may include an electropolishing container made from material of low thermal conductivity. The apparatus may include at least one spiral cathode for optimization of solution agitation and/or voltage distribution in the electrolytic solution. Further, an electrolytic solution including at least dimethylsulfate is described. A method for improved electropolishing to consistently produce smooth surfaces is also described.
Claims11
A method of electropolishing metallic stents, the method comprising:
- a) affixing a stent on a respective one of one or more electrically conductive adaptors of an apparatus, the apparatus comprising:
- at least one elongated member having a longitudinal axis, the at least one elongated member comprising one of the one or more electrically conductive adaptors configured to be removably affixed to and in electrical contact with the stent;
- an electrolytic solution;
- a substantially continuous cathode configured to be located in close proximity to the at least one elongated member when the least one elongated member and the substantially continuous cathode are immersed in the electrolytic solution;
- a cathode current conducting member attached to the substantially continuous cathode;
- an anode current conducting member, wherein each of the one or more elongated members is conductively connected electrically with the anode current conducting member;
- b) immersing the at least one stent in the electrolytic solution;
- c) supplying a voltage difference between the cathode current conducting member and the anode current conducting member;
- and
- d) removing the at least one stent from the electrolytic solution and rinsing with alcohol.
A method of electropolishing at least one stent, comprising:
- immersing the at least one stent in an electrolytic solution, wherein the electrolytic solution comprises dimethylsulfate;
- and
- electropolishing the at least one stent while the at least one stent is immersed in the electrolytic solution.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.