Medical Materials, Devices by Chemical Vapor Deposition

Ultramet applies coatings and fabricates freestanding structures by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) for a variety of medical products. CVD tantalum, in particular, is being used for its biocompatibility and structural properties. Highly porous open-cell tantalum foam is manufactured for various bone replacement applications as well as for cell growth. Radiopaque refractory metal components, including rhenium and tantalum, are produced in the form of catheter bands and identification tags for implantable devices. Under NASA funding, Ultramet developed a tantalum diffusion coating to improve the acid corrosion resistance of propellant valve components used in space shuttle propulsion systems. The potential exists to use this same diffusion process to increase the biocompatibility of conventional, relatively low-cost implant component materials. Current and new applications for CVD materials in medical devices will be