Vertical stent cutting process

Abstract

A system and method for processing a tubular member for producing a medical device, wherein the tubular member is oriented in a longitudinally vertical position during processing.

1 . A system for removing material from a tubular member according to a predetermined pattern, the invention comprising orienting the tubular member in a substantially longitudinal vertical position during removal of the material.  
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a guide mechanism, the guide mechanism defining a guide chamber, at least a portion of the tubular member being inserted into the guide chamber.  
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a media flow, the media flow being a fluid directed on or about the tubular member insertion port.  
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3  wherein the fluid is selected from at least one member of the group consisting of: a gas, a liquid, a liquid solution, a suspension and any combination thereof.  
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the guide chamber has a variable diameter.  
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5  wherein the guide mechanism comprises at least two portions, the at least two portions being moveable relative to one another to provide for the variable diameter of the guide chamber.  
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6  wherein the at least two portions define a guide chamber having a substantially circular cross section.  
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 6  wherein the at least two portions define a guide chamber having a substantially diamond shaped cross section.  
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8  wherein the guide chamber defines an adjustable slot.  
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1  wherein an end of the tubular member is removably engaged to a securement device, the securement device being engaged to a drive shaft.  
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a laser, the laser constructed and arranged to transmit laser energy to the tubular member to thereby remove the material from the tubular member according to a predetermined pattern.  
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the laser is selected from at least one member of the group consisting of YAG lasers, diode lasers, CO 2  lasers, IR lasers, UV lasers, laser/water jet hybrids and any combinations thereof.  
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the tubular member is constructed at least partially from metal.  
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the tubular member is constructed at least partially from a polymer.  
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the media flow is passed through the tubular member.  
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the media flow is constructed and arranged to remove debris buildup within the tubular member.  
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the media flow is constructed and arranged to cool the tubular member during removal of the material therefrom.  
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the media flow is selected from at least one member of the group consisting of: lubricants, oxidizers, cleaners, polishing agents, pretreatments and any combination thereof.  
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the tubular member is a stent or a component thereof.  
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the tubular member is a catheter or a portion thereof.  
     
     
         21 . A method for removing material from a tubular member according to a predetermined pattern, the invention comprising the step of orienting the tubular member in a substantially longitudinal vertical position during removal of the material.