Methods for laser cutting and processing tubing to make medical devices

US8333897B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Michael R. Bialas · Lake Forest, US
• Robert P. Barbier · Cannes, FR
• David P. Strauss · Temecula, US
• David Mackiewicz · Scotts Valley, US
• Pius Kienzle · Starzach, DE
• Mihaela Baldi · Hechingen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 31, 2008
• Grant date: Dec 18, 2012
• Expiry date: Sep 5, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/49995
• WIPO field: Machine tools
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method for making a device includes providing a tubular member which will be formed into the device, masking at least a portion of the inner surface of the tubular member with a removable sacrificial material, selectively removing a portion of the tubular member and sacrificial material using a laser device, and mechanically removing the sacrificial material from the inner surface of the tubular member. Ultrasonic energy could be applied to a workpiece which is being laser cut to prevent any generated slag from welding itself to an exposed surface of the workpiece. A compressed fluid or gas, such as air, could be used to clean the surface of the laser-cut workpiece to remove slag formation which adheres to the surface of the cut workpiece.