R. Steegmueller, T. Fleckenstein, Admedes Schuessler GmbH, Pforzheim, Germany; A. Schuessler, ADMEDES SCHUESSLER GmbH, Pforzheim, Germany
The overcome the poor radiopacity of Nitinol often inlays of radiopaque materials such as Gold or Tantalum are placed on Nitinol Stents or Filters. While increasing the X-ray visibility with the addition of a second, more radiopaque material it is important to maintain the excellent corrosion behavior and biocompatibility compared to the monolytic Nitinol component. The authors applied different techniques, including laser welding and riveting the combine Tantalum markers to Nitinol stents. After that, different polishing processes and techniques were performed in order to optimize the surface quality of the stent components. The quality of the surfaces is evaluated by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The chemical composition and structure of protective surface films is investigated by Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES). The corrosion behavior is characterized by potentiodynamic polarization curves. Finally, advantages and disadvantages of the used techniques are discussed under scientific and practical engineering aspects.
Summary: The overcome the poor radiopacity of Nitinol often inlays of radiopaque materials such as Gold or Tantalum are placed on Nitinol Stents or Filters. While increasing the x-ray visibility with the addition of a second, more radiopaque material it is important to maintain the excellent corrosion behavior and biocompability compared to the monolytic Nitinol component. The authors applied different techniques, including laser welding and riveting the combine Tantalum markers to Nitinol stents. After that, different polishing processes and techniques were performed in order to optimize the surface quality of the stent components. The quality of the surfaces is evaluated by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The chemical composition and structure of protective surface films is investigated by Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES). The corrosion behavior is characterized by potentiodynamic polarization curves. Finally, advantages and disadvantages of the used techniques are discussed under scientific and practical engineering aspects.
