Originally Published MPMN March 2003

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Electrochemical Machining Enables Pinpoint Accuracy

An established technology finds new life in medical devices

One of the trends in the medical device industry is that many devices are being made smaller. Catheters, guidewires, electrodes, fixation helices, needles, and introducers are just a few examples of this trend toward miniaturization. In order to make these products, Point Technologies (Lyons, CO) has adapted an electromechanical machining technique that it perfected in the semiconductor industry. In this process, small amounts of metal are removed via an electrochemical reaction in a controlled and precise manner. Potential applications include guidewires, electrosurgical electrodes, and stimulating and recording electrodes.

Complex parabolic-taper guidewires can be produced in lengths from 0.025 to 12.0 in., with convex or concave taper rates. Wire diameters from 0.001 to 0.100 in. in any length can be processed. Because no mechanical machining is involved, no cut marks or burrs are produced. The process also will not introduce any stresses or work-hardening effects to the wires. All types of stainless steels, MP35N, all grades of nitinol, tungsten, and tungsten-rhenium can be accommodated.

Electrosurgical electrodes have highly polished tips for low eschar buildup and easy cleaning. The needle insulation is a high-temperature polymer, which helps to prevent tissue damage while ensuring optimum current conductivity and visibility to the surgical field. The company's stimulating and recording electrodes have submicron tips to ensure pinpoint accuracy for penetration of single cells.

Point Technologies specializes in precision wire, tubing, and blade processing for surgical instruments and subassemblies. Applications include cardiac, neurologic, thoracic, plastic, orthopedic, ophthalmic, and otolaryngologic instruments.

Susan Wallace

Point Technologies, 6859 N. Foothills Hwy., Boulder, CO 80302; 303/415-9865; 303/415-9866 fax; [email protected]; www.pointtech.com

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