Single-Operation Finish for Improved Biocompatibility of Implants

Orthopedic and cardiovascular implants are some of the most common medical devices manufactured today that demand high levels of biocompatibility. To ensure better patient outcomes and reduce the risk of inflammatory and allergic reactions, special focus has been placed on the surface treatment of these components. Cardiovascular implants including defibrillators and pacemakers, as well as artificial heart valves, all have metal components that require proper finishing. In these cases, these parts have to stand up to blood and bodily fluids in the human body.

With implants such as knees, hips, shoulders, and elbows constantly evolving, medical device manufacturers need high-quality finishing processes to ensure biocompatibility of implantable devices.

Benefits of electropolishing for implantable devices include:

Removal of surface contaminants

By removing the outer skin of metal along with the surface contaminants imbedded during the various manufacturing steps, electropolishing effectively creates a contaminant-free surface.

Enhanced corrosion resistance

By removing the imbedded free iron and other contaminants, electropolishing creates a passive, oxygen-rich surface that helps retard corrosion.

Improved resistance to bacterial growth

The uniform removal of surface imperfections and contaminants creates an oxygen-rich surface that is excellent for inhibiting bacterial growth.

Superior biocompatibility

Electropolishing results in a clean, contaminant-free surface with enhanced corrosion resistance and improved resistance to bacterial growth creating biocompatible devices and components that are safer for internal use.