Qualification of the laser drilling of catheters

Holes in multi-lumen catheters made by cutting or punching suffer from poor accuracy due to the movement of the flexible material under the applied forces. The opening of small side holes in multi-lumen tubings by a laser drilling process was investigated as an alternative. The evaluation included the comparison of different polymer materials such as polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PE) and polyurethanes (TPU) and the use of 193 nm and 248 nm excimer laser radiation.Aside from the desired geometry, requirements of biocompatibility have to be fulfilled. In-vitro tests of cytotoxicity and haemocompatibility were performed and successfully passed. Additionally, the visual appearance of a “clean” product has to be guaranteed. Considering all these aspects, a laser drilling process has been proved capable of opening side holes in a 5 lumen therapeutic catheter.Holes in multi-lumen catheters made by cutting or punching suffer from poor accuracy due to the movement of the flexible material under the applied forces. The opening of small side holes in multi-lumen tubings by a laser drilling process was investigated as an alternative. The evaluation included the comparison of different polymer materials such as polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PE) and polyurethanes (TPU) and the use of 193 nm and 248 nm excimer laser radiation.Aside from the desired geometry, requirements of biocompatibility have to be fulfilled. In-vitro tests of cytotoxicity and haemocompatibility were performed and successfully passed. Additionally, the visual appearance of a “clean” product has to be guaranteed. Considering all these aspects, a laser drilling process has been proved capable of opening side holes in a 5 lumen therapeutic catheter.