Medical Device Link .

Stent Manufacturer Offers Rapid Prototypes A turnkey contract manufacturer that has been providing stent production services to medical device OEMs since 1998 can fabricate stent prototypes in 3 to 5 days. In addition, Pulse Systems (Concord, CA, USA) has developed proprietary processes allowing it to meet and exceed customer demands for miniaturization. It routinely produces stents as small as 0.016 in. OD, with walls as thin as 0.003 in. Stainless steel, nitinol, cobalt-chromium, and platinum are among the materials processed. The firm is equipped with tubular laser machining systems, microabrasive blasting units, and subminiature welders; passivation and electropolishing are also available. In addition to stents, the company manufactures components for minimally invasive surgical and closure devices on a contract basis. Firm Develops Production of Gold and Platinum Stent Markers A company specialized in the production of precision custom components in a range of high-tech materials has recently begun offering gold and platinum markers for stent and catheter applications. The biocompatible and radiopaque components are manufactured in sizes between 0.5 and 1.5 mm diam by Rubis Précis/Micropierre (Charquemont, France). The company employs approximately 100 qualified technicians who produce microassemblies to customer specifications in fine ceramics, ruby, sapphire, stainless steel, titanium,