Issues involved in laser marking of reusable surgical instruments

Abstract

Lasers have been used for more than 20 years to permanently mark medical devices. This paper will deal in the application of galvanometer-steered, Q-switched, Nd:YAG beams in powers up to 50 watts. It will focus on the use of these beams for marking reusable surgical instruments fabricated from 300 series, 400 series and precipitation-hardenable stainless steels. Variables which will be discussed are power level, pulse frequency, depth of marking, material selection, sterilization method and coating. The resulting key factors of interest are the amount of visual contrast achieved with the mark, the aesthetics and detail of the mark and how long it lasts through multiple sterilization cycles. Also of interest is the eventual susceptibility of the instrument to contamination or staining as a direct result of the laser marking process or as a result of subsequent sterilization cycles. The visual contrast and the functional life of a laser mark on reusable surgical instruments can be maximized by analyzing the sensitivity of the instrument to variables both independently and in combination with others.Lasers have been used for more than 20 years to permanently mark medical devices. This paper will deal in the application of galvanometer-steered, Q-switched, Nd:YAG beams in powers up to 50 watts. It will focus on the use of these beams for marking reusable surgical instruments fabricated from 300 series, 400 series and precipitation-hardenable stainless steels. Variables which will be discussed are power level, pulse frequency, depth of marking, material selection, sterilization method and coating. The resulting key factors of interest are the amount of visual contrast achieved with the mark, the aesthetics and detail of the mark and how long it lasts through multiple sterilization cycles. Also of interest is the eventual susceptibility of the instrument to contamination or staining as a direct result of the laser marking process or as a result of subsequent sterilization cycles. The visual contrast and the functional life of a laser mark on reusable surgical instruments can be maximized by analyzing th...