Electropolishing device and method

a technology of electrolysis device and electrode, which is applied in the manufacture of electrolysis components, printed circuits, manufacturing tools, etc., can solve the problems of uneven surface finish of electrode, adverse effects of stents with rough edges, and inconvenient use, etc., and achieve the effect of consistent surface finish

Inactive Publication Date: 2016-01-07
ABBOTT CARDIOVASCULAR
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is about electropolishing devices for medical purposes. The invention achieves a more consistent surface finish of the device by repositioning it relative to the electrode during the electropolishing process. This ensures that previous contact points are more effectively subjected to the electropolishing process and achieves a more consistent electropolished surface. The fixture includes grips that engage the surface of the device with force to reposition it without damaging it, and a controller that controls the movement of the grips.

Problems solved by technology

The production of medical devices such as stents can be a complicated process.
As one can image, a stent with rough edges may have adverse effects if introduced into a patient's vasculature.
Rough regions on the stent's surface may create potential areas for thrombogenesis or may negatively impact tissue.
In conventional systems, however, maintaining a consistent surface finish, particularly along the inner surface of the stent, can be difficult.
The contact between the electrode and the stent surface impede polishing at the contact points.

Method used

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Embodiment Construction

[0021]Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for electropolishing devices including medical devices. More particularly, embodiments relate to systems and methods for adjusting a position of a medical device while the device undergoes an electropolishing process or to changing the contact points between the device and an electrode during the electropolishing process. Adjusting the position of the medical device can alleviate situations where the electropolishing process is impeded or proceeds at a slower rate. Although embodiments are discussed with reference to a medical device and more particularly in the context of a stent, embodiments are applicable generally to electropolishing systems and methods and to the electropolishing of other devices including other medical devices.

[0022]Embodiments provide systems and methods for automatically and / or manually repositioning a device while the device is immersed within an electropolishing bath, such as an electrolytic ...

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Abstract

A device for repositioning a device during an electropolishing process. A fixture is disclosed that is configured to reposition the device during the electropolishing process in order to more evenly electropolish a surface of the device.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 618,407, filed Sep. 14, 2012, entitled “ELECTROPOLISHING DEVICE AND METHOD”, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Medical devices are an important part of the health industry and responsible for saving many lives. There are many procedures that can be performed today because of advances in medical device technology. Stents, for instance, are examples of medical devices that are used in a variety of medical procedures. When stents are used in the context of the vascular system, they can open blocked vessels, increase the flow of blood, and prevent reoccurrence of the blockage. Stents are often used to address weak points or blocked sections of a patient's vasculature. Stents are not limited, however, to the vasculature system and can be employed in many different systems and circumstances.[0003]The production of med...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): C25F3/16A61F2/82A61F2/89A61F2/91
CPCC25F3/16A61F2/89A61F2/91A61F2/82C25F7/00
InventorANDREACCHI, ANTHONY, S.
OwnerABBOTT CARDIOVASCULAR