Indigenous Design and Development of an Industrial Electrochemical Polishing System for MDDC Production Line of Coronary Stents.

Abstract

Coronary stents were developed in the mid-1980s and since then have been used for coronary artery disease. Several studies have proven that surface treatment can improve the performance of stents, biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. The surface of the stent needs to be extremely smooth for the stent to be inserted smoothly and easily through the tortuous vessel pathways. Such surface smoothness is achieved by electropolishing treatment. The device is manufactured after extensive research on Electropolishing theory and mechanism. All the equipment parameters were being tested and analyzed to meet all the requirements. The dimensional accuracy and functional quality is given great consideration. The after laser cut, intact metal removal and precision leveling of the surface also should be able to create and reestablish oxide layer on stent. The aim of this project-based thesis is to design and develop an industrial electrochemical polishing system for MDDC production line for coronary stents, which would not only speed up the production of the product but also ensure to provide an alternative and convenient way for investigation of electropolishing parameters.