New ASTM Standard Concerns Alloy Useful in Stents, Implants
A new ASTM International standard is a specification for the chemical, mechanical, and metallurgical requirements for a high-strength alloy that could be used for cardiovascular stents and for surgical implants.
A new ASTM International standard concerns a high-strength alloy that could be used for cardiovascular stents and for trauma, spinal, and face-related surgical implants, according to the organization.
The standard is a specification for the chemical, mechanical, and metallurgical requirements for wrought molybdenum-47.5 rhenium alloy. The specification was created by ASTM International's Committee on Medical and Surgical Materials and Devices, F04.
"This powder-metallurgy alloy has a good combination of high strength and high ductility when compared to other metallic implant materials" and is less likely to cause metal allergy reactions, ASTM International member John Disegi, a consultant at Advanced Biomaterial Consulting LLC, said in the organization's release about the new standard. Disegi also said the specification could allow product engineers to downsize existing implants.
According to ASTM's release, the new standard will be highlighted at a North American Spine Society meeting Oct. 25-28 in Orlando.