Heterogeneous surface properties on wallstents

Wallstent has been successfully used to open up clogged peripheral arteries. Co-Cr alloy is the preferred metal for the construction of wallstent. Unfortunately,major complications such as in-stent intimal hyperplasia,stent obstruction, and stent stricture are often reported, and these complications could be related to the metallic properties of the wallstent. In this study, the electrochemical properties of Co-Crwires from wallstentwere investigated using cyclic polarization, open-circuit potential, potentiostatic condition, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray mapping were also employed to investigate the surface morphology and elemental distribution after electrochemical measurement. Results of this study showed the heterogeneous electrochemical properties of Co-Cr alloy wires that could result in severe galvanic corrosion of wallstent after implantation. Severe corrosion process could cause fracture of wallstent, resulting in localized inflammation, allergy, and thicker neointima.