Laser Drilling

Holes are laser drilled into catheter balloons for localized drug delivery in minimally invasive procedures. A significant challenge in this manufacturing process is that the geometry and surface of the balloon can vary from part to part. To solve this problem, our engineers have developed a patent process control method for on-line, automated vision mapping of the balloon geometry. A proprietary algorithm then makes real-time adjustments for the variation and ensures that the holes are placed in the correct locations every time.

Multi-lumen catheters are used to deliver drugs to specific areas through small satellite lumens. To be successful, small holes or an array of holes must be drilled through the outer wall of the satellite lumen without perforating the inner wall. To solve this challenge, our engineers developed a proprietary laser drilling process that incorporates an in-process optical inspection to detect inner wall damage as an end-point detection control method to prevent excessive ablation of the lumen inner wall.

Laser drilling enables engineers to achieve highly repeatable drilling solutions at microscopic scales without error for a variety of applications, including:

• Embolic protection filters
• Access and side ports in infusion catheters
• Micro hole arrays
• Flow access holes
• Drug delivery balloons

Innovators developing groundbreaking medical devices rely on our laser drilling capabilities to create new technologies that advance treatment options and improve patient lives. Market applications for components and devices produced with our laser drilling capabilities include:

• Neurovascular
• Ophthalmic
• Peripheral vascular
• Minimally invasive surgery