Enhancing Electrode Properties With Laser Restructuring

The materials used in implantable medical devices have to balance biocompatibility with various physical and mechanical properties. For electrode materials, in particular, few metals outside of platinum and gold will make the cut. One way to overcome these challenges is to use surface modification techniques to extend the capabilities of well known metals and alloys that already have an established track record in implantable medical devices. This video from Pulse Technologies  focuses on laser restructuring—an advanced technique that improves the properties of medical device materials, particularly those used in implantable electrodes.

Transcript

00:00:04 when it comes to neural and cardiac electrodes laser restructuring is gaining acceptance as an alternative to vacuum deposited coding techniques this technique subjects biocompatible metal components to short high-energy laser pulses shifting the surface atoms to build up the desired structure without affecting other properties these scanning electron microscope images show

00:00:29 the different laser restructured surfaces possible for stainless steel laser restructuring can enhance and electrodes electrical properties here under constant voltage stimulation current delivery is increased and the laser restructured electrode exhibits reduced polarization effects over time versus titanium nitride coating higher capacitance can enhance a battery's life

00:00:55 or package size and improve signal-to-noise ratios and charge transfer efficiencies all without biocompatibility issues unwanted thermal stresses or higher production costs for more information about pulsed technologies laser restructuring capabilities download our whitepaper @ww pulse technologies calm