| abstract |
A method for the cleaning of roughened surface or porous-coated medical implants of all kinds. In the cleaning method, the roughened surface or porous-coated implant is subjected to blasting with particulate solids selected from the solids that are soluble in a biocompatible non-toxic solvent and solids that deliquesce, sublimate, or vaporize. The particulate solids must be sufficiently hard to provide effective impact for dislodging debris and loosely attached particles from implant surfaces. After blasting, the surface is optionally treated with ultrasonic vibration to further remove debris particulates. The impacted surfaces may also be rinsed with a biocompatible liquid. After cleaning, the surfaces may be passivated by immersion in conventional passivation solutions or a solution of non-aggressive oxyanions. |