Enhanced NiTi Alloys for X-Ray Visibility and Mechanical Properties

Cook Medical has developed a series of ternary and quaternary Nitinol alloys that have improved X-Ray visibility and mechanical behavior.  Additions of up to 10 atomic percent Erbium to Nitinol have resulted in X-Ray visibility equivalent to or better than the 7.5 atomic percent Platinum doped alloy.   Additions of up to 1 atomic percent Chromium and 1 atomic percent Chromium and Cobalt to Nitinol have resulted in significant improvements in upper and lower plateau strengths and fatigue endurance strain without a loss in recoverable strain.  These alloys show promise for next generation self-expanding medical devices.