Smart applications of NiTi shape memory alloy in biomedical industries

Abstract

Globalization has led to higher living standards in many countries, with people living longer. As the standard of living rises accompanied by the choices people make, lifestyle-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, are on the rise. There has therefore been a rush to produce medical devices to treat physical conditions and diseases. New materials are an integral part of supporting these developments. One such material is NiTi (nitinol). NiTi is a smart material that is a shape-memory alloy (SMA) with the ability to regain its permanent shape after deformation. This chapter describes the biocompatibility of NiTi, for which it is highly demanded in healthcare industries. The preferential texture and surface modification of NiTi before its implantation are discussed. Various types of potential applications of NiTi SMA inside the human body also are discussed.