Laser cut bioabsorbable intraluminal devices or stents and methods for
forming such an intraluminal device or stent. A precursor sheet or tube
of bioabsorbable material is laser cut in the presence of an inert gas to
form an intraluminal medical device or stent having a desired geometry or
pattern. The device or stent may comprise a helical, or other shape,
having the laser cut geometry or pattern imparted thereon. The device or
stent may further comprise drugs or bio-active agents incorporated into
or onto the device or stent in greater percentages than conventional
devices or stents. Radiopaque materials may be incorporated into, or
coated onto, the intraluminal device or stent. Precise geometries or
patterns are simply and readily achievable using the laser cutting
methods in the presence of an inert gas while minimizing damage to the
precursor materials.