Description

Stainless steel, Co-Cr-Ni-Mo(MP35N) and TiNi (nitinol) wires have been used extensively in medical applications, including catheters, stents and pacemakers. Although the materials are corrosion-resistant, surface treatment is often necessary to improve biocompatibility. Marketed medical wires, which have been subjected to various surface treatments, were tested electrochemically in Ringer’s solution, a body fluid substitute. Results show that an amorphous oxide layer significantly improves the corrosion resistance.