Apparatus and method for formation of foil-shaped stent struts

Abstract

A device and method is disclosed for reducing turbulent blood flow over stent struts of an intravascular stent implanted in, for example, a coronary artery. An abrasive slurry is passed over the struts of an intravascular stent in order to remove a portion of the stent struts to form an airfoil shape. When the stent having airfoil-shaped struts is implanted in an artery, the flow of blood over the airfoil shape will reduce the likelihood of turbulent blood flow and thereby will reduce the likelihood of turbulent blood flow and thereby reduce the likelihood of a buildup in plaque or injury to the vessel wall.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]The invention relates generally to providing an apparatus for using an abrasive slurry for the removal of metal on products made from metals. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus for and method of using an abrasive slurry on medical devices made of titanium, stainless steel, tungsten, nickel-titanium, tantalum, cobalt-chromium-tungsten, cobalt-chromium, and the like to form a more hemodynamically compatible device.[0002]While a wide range of products or devices can be made from the listed metal alloys for use with the present invention, medical devices are particularly suitable due to the biocompatible characteristics of these alloys. Thus, for example, implantable medical devices or devices that are used within the human body are particularly suitable and can be made from these alloys that have been treated in accordance with the present invention. More particularly, and as described in more detail herein, intravascular stents can be made from th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016]The invention is directed to an improved apparatus and method for the treatment of an intravascular stent formed from a metal alloy. The invention is directed to an apparatus and method for passing an abrasive slurry over the struts of an intravascular stent in order to remove a portion of the stent struts to form an airfoil shape. More particularly, the transverse cross-section of one more struts of the stent have a shape that resembles an airfoil or a hydrofoil which will reduce turbulent blood

Problems solved by technology

Expandable stents, such as wire mesh, serpentine, and corrugated ring designs, for example, do not possess uniformly solid tubular walls.

A roughened outer surface may result in increased frictional obstruction during insertion and excess drag during travel to the stenotic site as well as damaging the endothelium lining of the vessel wall.

A rough finish may also cause damage to the underlying inflation balloon.

Laser cutting, however, typically is at high temperature and often leaves debris and slag material attached to the stent.

Such material, if left on a stent, would render the stent unacceptable for implantation.

Grinding, vibration, and tumbling techniques ar

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