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Abstract

A process for electrochemical mass removal and/or electropolishing a stent formed from a cobalt-chromium-tungsten-platinum alloy. The alloy may also comprise nickel (e.g., at about 10% by weight), where no other elements are present in an amount over 3% by weight. The process includes positioning the stent in an electrolyte solution in an electropolishing cell, wherein the electrolyte includes each of H₂SO₄, HCl, and H₃PO₄, e.g., in a volumetric ratio (as prepared) of about 6:1:1, wherein the electrolyte further comprises ethylene glycol. The metallic body is electrochemically processed in the electrolyte solution in the electropolishing cell, wherein the mass removal and electropolishing includes application of an alternating current with a forward:reverse current ratio of at least 3:1 (e.g., from 3:1 to 5:1). Voltage may be allowed to float, e.g., within a range of 1 to 6 volts. Superficially similar processes using DC, other AC settings, or without ethylene glycol were ineffective.

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