Method for laser cutting tubing using inert gas and a disposable mask

A method for making a device, the method comprising:

• providing a tubular member having an inner lumen which will be formed into a device;
• masking at least a portion of the surface of the inner lumen of the tubular member with a removable sacrificial material;
• laser cutting a portion of the tubular member and sacrificial material using a laser device, the laser device utilizing a pressurized inert gas to laser cut the portion of the tubular member and sacrificial material, wherein some dross which adheres to the tubular member is created during laser cutting;
• and
• applying a chemical solution to the tubular member and sacrificial material which softens the dross attached to the tubular member.

A method for making a laser cut device, the method comprising:

• providing a tubular member with an inner lumen which will be formed into the laser cut device;
• mounting the tubular member onto a sleeve formed from a removable sacrificial material;
• laser cutting a pattern into the wall of the tubular member and sacrificial sleeve, the laser cutting being performed by a laser device which utilizes a pressurized inert gas to laser cut the pattern into the wall of the tubular member and sacrificial material, wherein some dross which adheres to the tubular member is created during the laser cutting;
• and
• applying a chemical solution to the tubular member and sleeve of sacrificial material for a time duration in which the chemical solution primarily attacks the dross formed from the tubular member.