Using lasers in medical device manufacturing. A technological evolution

Laser technology has led to a number of valuable medical treatments, yet its greatest contributions are in the industrial and scientific sectors of health care. This article reviews a variety of applications where the laser tool has been successful in increasing the precision and reliability of industrial processes and medical instrumentation. Although many laser-based processes are replacements of conventional techniques, processes such as excimer photoablation offer new possibilities and are likely to define their own niches in the market place.