Nitinol - Its use in vascular surgery and other applications

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the physical properties of shape-memory alloys and the surgical, scientific and commercial applications of nitinol, in particular. Design and methods: A Medline, Internet and library search with contributions from commerce to describe the alloy's structure, behaviour and biocompatibility, and design for devices constructed from nitinol. Results: Nitinol has the properties of thermal shape memory and superelasticity that make it ideal for many vascular and general surgical prostheses and disposables, and for various commercial applications. Conclusions: Further research into shape-memory alloys from scientific And commercial groups should widen their use in vascular and endovascular surgery.