Physicochemical properties investigations of metallic urological stent after implantation

AbstrAct Purpose: : The aim of the work was to determine the surfaces as well as physicochemical properties changes of the metallic urological stent. The tested stent was made of Co-Cr-Ni-Fe-Mo-Mn alloy and was implanted during four years. Design/methodology/approach: Electrochemical tests have been used for corrosion resistance investigations. They were carried out in the artificial urine solution at the temperature 37±1°C with the use of the VoltaLab® PGP 201 system. The evaluation of pitting corrosion was realized by recording of anodic polarization curves with the use of the potentiodynamic method. Chemical composition investigations of the surface have been carried out with the use of X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The topography of surfaces changes was observed in scanning electron microscope (SEM). Findings: Surface observations haven’t showed the signs of pitting corrosion. No decrease of corrosion resistance for metallic material was stated. Furthermore in surface layer the presence of the organic compounds was observed.