Surface conditioning of 316LVM slotted tube cardiovascular stents

The surface quality of coronary stents has a significant influence on its biocompatibility. Therefore, surface polishing is of paramount importance in the production and application of stents. In the present study, electropolishing is performed on 316LVM steel slotted tube coronary stents. Additionally, acid pickling, as a pretreatment of electropolishing, is also conducted. Gravimetric analysis of the stents (weight loss and strut width change) in the process of acid pickling and electropolishing are done. Qualitative roughness measurements are made to evaluate the stent surface. Electropolished stents are passivated causing chromium enrichment on the surface of the material, thereby enhancing its corrosion resistance. Passivated and electropolished samples are examined using energy dispersive spectrometry. Balloon expanded and crimped profiles of the passivated stents are qualitatively analyzed.