Device for Improved Efficiency of Tubes Used in Stents and Other Medical Devices

Cleans Stents and Other Piping, Minimizing Problems with Flow

This cleaning device for tubing used in stents, other medical devices, and flexible piping systems. The worldwide market for stents, which are mesh tubes used to hold open arteries, is estimated at more than $5 billion. The manufacturing process for the capillary tubes used in stents sometimes leaves behind imperfections in the tube walls that can impede the flow of fluid. A finishing device developed by a University of Florida researcher can smooth the tube surface, making it more efficient.

Application

Device for finishing and cleaning capillary tubes for stents, other medical devices, and flexible piping systems

Advantages

• Provides a competitive advantage by deburring metal residue inside tubes and thus minimizing problems associated with flow
• Applies to other medical tubes and flexible piping systems to serve multiple markets

Technology

The technology developed by a University of Florida researcher allows internal and external cleaning of capillary tubes with a device that uses a motor, chuck, jig, and magnet. The technology also accomplishes deburring of the metal residue, which causes flow problems in flexible capillary tubes. These tubes have slits in the wall for flexibility. The superheating process that creates the slits can leave behind metal burrs on the inside wall that impede the flow of fluid through the tube. Removing burrs and cleaning the tube can improve flow of fluid. In the device, magnetic force applied to the tube causes abrasives to scrape the inside walls, cleaning off these burrs and other debris.