Platinum has been used extensively in the medical field for more than 40 years and has contributed to many major advances in medical care since the mid-20th century. It offers a lightweight, safe, more affordable, and easier-to-use option for surgical matters, and it’s used in several ways across the healthcare industry.
Platinum (Pt)
Platinum is easily transformed into other shapes, such as rods, ribbons, sheets, and wires, to meet medical manufacturing needs. Since it is highly resistant to corrosion with a high oxidation temperature, it can withstand most environments without sustaining significant damage or chemical alteration.
Platinum-Iridium (Pt/Ir)
Platinum-Iridium alloys have the chemical stability of platinum with increased hardness due to the addition of iridium. Platinum-iridium alloys are ductile, malleable, and versatile in their manufacturing capabilities.
Platinum-Tungsten (Pt/W)
Tungsten has the most significant effect on alloy hardness when alloyed with platinum. Platinum-tungsten alloys are used for a range of medical applications due to its relatively high degree of biocompatibility and excellent fatigue resistance. Applications suitable for platinum-tungsten (specifically Pt92/W8) include but are not limited to, radiopaque spacers in embolization devices and potentiometer applications because of its high degree of wear resistance and low electrical noise characteristics.