Implantable medical device and method for laser processing
US9757572B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 30, 2014 |
| Grant date | Sep 12, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 30, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC04B2111/00836
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Various methods for laser welding biocompatible material for use in implantable medical devices are disclosed. A method for laser processing includes applying a laser beam to a biocompatible material comprising at least 85% by weight zirconium oxide (ZrO2) or “zirconia” in an oxygen-free environment and depleting the material of oxygen. The depletion of oxygen converts the zirconium oxide to elemental zirconium at an interface where the material is applied to the elemental zirconium. In one embodiment, the present invention provides for an implantable medical device or component thereof made of a biocompatible material comprising zirconium oxide. The device includes a substrate that has an intrinsic conductive pathway comprising elemental zirconium that extends from a first surface to a second surface of the substrate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.