Apparatus for electropolishing a stent

An apparatus for electropolishing a stent, comprising:

• a continuous cathode formed by a tubular member having a first end and a second end defining a length, a diameter, and an opening therethrough, the tubular member having a wall surface between the first end and the second end and a plurality of apertures formed in the wall surface;
• a current conducting member attached to the tubular member first end and second end;
• an anode formed by a metallic stent having a first end and a second end defining a length, and a diameter, the stent being positioned within the tubular member opening;
• the ratio of the length of the tubular member to the length of the stent ranges from about 1:1 to about 8:1 and the ratio the tubular member diameter to the stent diameter ranges from about 5:1 to about 10:1;
• an electrolytic solution for flowing through the tubular member apertures;
• and
• the tubular member and the stent being substantially submerged in the electrolytic solution and a current source attached to the stent to conduct a current through the stent for a predetermined time to electropolish the stent.

An apparatus for electropolishing a stent, comprising:

• a continuous cathode formed by a wire mesh tubular member having a first end and a second end defining a length, a diameter, and an opening therethrough;
• a current conducting member attached to the tubular member first end and second end;
• an anode formed by a metallic stent having a length and a diameter, the stent being positioned within the tubular member opening;
• the ratio of the length of the tubular member to the length of the stent ranges from about 1:1 to about 8:1 and the ratio the tubular member diameter to the stent diameter ranges from about 5:1 to about 10:1;
• an electrolytic solution;
• and
• the tubular member and the stent being substantially submerged in the electrolytic solution and a current source attached to the stent to conduct a current through the anode for a predetermined time to electropolish the stent.