Ultrashort-Pulse Laser Micromachining Advances Implantable Medical Devices

The complexities of implantable medical devices such as stents, intraocular lenses, prosthetics, and catheters have increased dramatically to meet new usage demands and improve patient outcomes. The advanced features and materials used for the fabrication of these devices has proven to be a challenge. As stent-strut sizes continue to shrink and the quality of cut edges becomes more critical, the degree of precision needed is more difficult to achieve. Ultrashort-pulse lasers are on their way to becoming the tool of choice for creating these medical devices with high precision. This article discusses the technology behind ultrashort-pulse lasers and how they are used in the process of micromachining ultrafine stents, bioabsorbable stents, and many other devices. Download the full paper for more of the story.