Steps that radiofrequency ablation catheter manufacturers need to go through to recycle platinum-iridium electrode catheters

During the production process of radiofrequency ablation catheters, the proportion of platinum and iridium incorporated will vary according to different uses. Catheters used for cardiac surgery require higher platinum and iridium content to enhance its durability and conductivity. The last time I had a conversation with an RFA catheter manufacturer, I realized how important the difference in platinum and iridium material usage is to the recycling process. Different types of catheters need to be treated differently during recycling to ensure effective extraction of platinum and iridium.
The process of recycling platinum-iridium electrodes by radiofrequency ablation catheter manufacturers is relatively simple and mainly relies on cooperative relationships with hospitals. Manufacturers can offer recycling services at the time of supply, which not only facilitates the disposal of waste by hospitals, but also provides them with a way to collect the raw materials of ablation catheters. In addition, manufacturers will also collect unqualified ablation catheters during the production process and recycle them uniformly.

When radiofrequency ablation catheter manufacturers recycle platinum-iridium electrodes, they need to first classify discarded radiofrequency ablation catheters and group them according to their platinum-iridium content. Then peel and cut the catheter to obtain the platinum-iridium metal head and metal ring. This part is mainly platinum and iridium metal.
The next step is dissolution and purification. The metal part of the resulting catheter will contain some impurities. We need to use an acidic solution of appropriate concentration to leach platinum and iridium metals. The resulting metal impurities will be precipitated in batches due to different reactivity. . Of course, different types of radiofrequency ablation catheters have different platinum and iridium contents, which require different solvents and conditions during chemical processing. Electrode catheters with high platinum and iridium contents will require longer processing times.