Session: 02-09-01: Design for Healthcare Products and Processes

Paper Number: 145331

145331 - Surface Profile Analysis of Stainless-Steel Guidewire Post-Cutting: Stainless Steel vs. Tungsten Carbide-Coated Blades 

This study investigates the surface profile alterations of stainless-steel guidewires after cutting using two distinct cutting instruments: stainless steel and tungsten carbide-coated scissors. Guidewires are vital components in various medical procedures, including cardiovascular interventions and minimally invasive surgeries. It is essential to find an in-house snapping method for medical professionals to manipulate the dimension of the stainless-steel guidewire based on the requirement. The surface quality of these guidewires post-cutting significantly influences their performance and biocompatibility within the human body. The traditional method of cutting stainless steel guidewires employs stainless steel scissors, whereas modern approaches incorporate tungsten carbide blades for enhanced precision and durability.

This comparative analysis focuses on evaluating the surface characteristics, such as roughness, microstructural changes, and potential defects, induced by each cutting method. The investigation employs scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to quantify the surface alterations at micro scales. Repeated cutting was also carried out to study the effect on the blades caused by the continuous use of stainless-steel scissors and tungsten-carbide-coated scissors. Additionally, in future studies, the mechanical properties, including tensile strength and flexibility, of the cut segments will be evaluated to correlate surface features with structural integrity.

The findings from this study are expected to provide valuable insights into the effects of cutting methods on the surface profile of stainless-steel guidewires, enabling medical device manufacturers and practitioners to optimize cutting techniques for improved performance and biocompatibility. Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to the advancement of medical device manufacturing processes, ensuring the delivery of quick, safe, and effective healthcare interventions.

Presenting Author: Rupal Srivastava South East Technological University Waterford

Presenting Author Biography: Dr. Rupal Srivastava is currently an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at the South East Technological University Waterford. Formerly a Marie Sklodowska Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at the SFI Confirm Smart Manufacturing Centre and a Ph.D. graduate from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Dr. Srivastava has research interests in the experimental and theoretical field of Cobotics, Smart- Wearables, Materials, and Composites.

Authors:

Mohammod Ali South East Technological University Waterford
Rupal Srivastava South East Technological University Waterford
Damian Kelly South East Technological University Waterford