Intravascular stent and method for conditioning the surfaces thereof
First Claim
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1. A method for preparing a titanium stent by conditioning the surfaces thereof prior to introduction into the body of a subject, which comprises:
- forming a stent by cutting or machining a titanium strip to a desired size and configuration;
cleaning the surfaces of the stent to remove dirt and organic material therefrom;
pickling the cleaned stent with an oxidizing acid to provide a substantially uniform oxide layer thereon;
electrochemically polishing the surfaces of the pickled stent;
removing oxides from the surfaces of the stent after the polishing step by treatment with an acidic solution; and
retaining the stent in a substantially oxygen free environment after the oxide-removing step until use thereof.
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Abstract
An anti-turbulent, anti-thrombogenic intravascular stent of a helically shaped titanium or aluminum strip having an airfoil on internal surfaces thereof for increasing blood flow through the stent without creating areas of stagnant or turbulent flow therein. Also, a method for cleaning the stent for optimum performance in the intended application, and the stents which are cleaned by the process, and novel devices for introducing the stents of the invention into the body of a patient.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method for preparing a titanium stent by conditioning the surfaces thereof prior to introduction into the body of a subject, which comprises:
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forming a stent by cutting or machining a titanium strip to a desired size and configuration; cleaning the surfaces of the stent to remove dirt and organic material therefrom; pickling the cleaned stent with an oxidizing acid to provide a substantially uniform oxide layer thereon; electrochemically polishing the surfaces of the pickled stent; removing oxides from the surfaces of the stent after the polishing step by treatment with an acidic solution; and retaining the stent in a substantially oxygen free environment after the oxide-removing step until use thereof. - View Dependent Claims (2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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- 3. The method of claim 3 wherein the oxides are removed from the surfaces of the stent by immersing the stent into an acidic solution.
Specification