Sterility is everything in the OR, and orthopedic implants are no exception. Whether it’s a hip prosthesis, spinal rod, or knee replacement, even a microscopic contaminant can lead to infection, inflammation, or rejection.
Enter laser ablation: a precise, residue-free sterilization technique gaining traction for orthopedic components. And COMSOL, a leading simulation software, is playing a crucial role in helping engineers fine-tune the physics behind this clean process.
Laser + Metal = Delicate Dance
Implants are often made of titanium or cobalt-chromium alloys, which reflect, scatter, or absorb laser energy in complex ways. Add irregular shapes and narrow crevices, and you’ve got a serious modeling challenge.
COMSOL’s Heat Transfer and Electromagnetic Wave interfaces allow simulation of:
- Energy absorption at metal surfaces
- Thermal diffusion and peak temperatures
- Surface oxidation and microstructural changes
- Ablation thresholds based on wavelength and pulse duration
The result: efficient, controlled sterilization without compromising mechanical strength.
Complementing with Irrigation
After laser ablation, wound irrigation is often used to cool components and remove debris. COMSOL’s multiphase flow modeling helps simulate fluid coverage, turbulence, and residual particle clearance, especially in orthopedic fixtures with grooves or threads.
Simulation is the key to ensuring the entire sterilization process is meticulously mapped, measured, and most importantly, repeatable. This reliability is crucial for the quality of the implants. Contact Us.