Patent ID: 8038803
Filing Date: 2011-10-18
Classification: A61F,B08B,C11D,C23G

Abstract:
1. A method of descaling a metallic stent comprising the steps of: a) placing said stent to be descaled in contact with a solution of ammonium hydrogen fluoride at a temperature in the range of about 60° to 80° C. for a period of time sufficient to descale said stent while applying ultrasonic energy to said solution, wherein the descaling removes substantially all slag material, burrs, and sharp ends from a surface of the stent by dissolving metal atoms of the slag material, burrs, and sharp ends into the ammonium hydrogen fluoride solution; b) removing said stent from said solution and contacting said stent with a first aqueous rinse containing a nonionic surfactant at a temperature in the range of about 60° to 80° C. while applying ultrasonic energy to said first rinse; and c) removing said stent from said first rinse and contacting said stent with a second aqueous rinse while applying ultrasonic energy to said second rinse.