Platinum Iridium Alloy (PtIr10) Applications and Advantages in Medical Devices

In the field of precision medical device manufacturing, a silver-white metal alloy plays an indispensable role: Platinum Iridium Alloy (PtIr10). The reliability and precision of medical devices are directly related to patient health and safety, and material selection is fundamental to achieving these characteristics. Platinum Iridium Alloy (PtIr10), composed of 90% platinum and 10% iridium, has become a preferred material for many highly demanding medical devices due to its unique performance characteristics.

1. Core Characteristics of Platinum Iridium Alloy

Platinum Iridium Alloy (PtIr10) secures its place in the medical device field primarily thanks to its series of outstanding physical and chemical properties.

It features high hardness, a high melting point, and high corrosion resistance, while maintaining low contact resistance. These properties are crucial for medical devices used in the complex human body environment.

As the iridium concentration increases, the melting point, density, hardness, and strength of the platinum iridium alloy all increase accordingly. It is particularly noteworthy that platinum iridium alloys containing more than 30% iridium are almost impervious to corrosion by boiling aqua regia, demonstrating their exceptional chemical stability.

2. Specific Applications in the Medical Field

Platinum Iridium Alloy (PtIr10) has extensive and critical applications in medical devices.

① Electrophysiology Catheters

In the field of cardiac electrophysiology examination and treatment, PtIr10 is commonly used as an electrode material. For example, the electrode material of fixed-curve mapping catheters uses platinum iridium alloy (Pt/10%Ir). This product is used with multi-channel physiological recorders and stimulators and is suitable for cardiac electrophysiological examinations.

The tip and ring electrodes of steerable electrophysiology ablation catheters are also manufactured using platinum iridium alloy (Pt/Ir10), suitable for cardiac electrophysiology interventional examinations and radiofrequency ablation procedures.

② Microcoils and Implantable Devices

PtIr10 is also used in endovascular interventional therapy devices. For example, Topaz microcoils are made of platinum iridium alloy (Pt90%Ir10%) and are used for the occlusion of small blood vessels, such as preoperative embolization for cerebral arteriovenous malformations or dural fistulas.

③ Other Medical Applications

Platinum iridium alloy can also be used for electrodes, injection needles, dental materials, etc. Its wide application in the medical field fully demonstrates the material's biocompatibility and durability.

3. Material Processing and Standards

Processing platinum iridium alloy is not easy and requires professional technology and equipment.

① Processing Methods

Platinum iridium alloy is typically melted using an induction furnace with argon gas protection. The ingot must be hot-rolled before cold processing. Advanced processing technology can now draw extremely fine wires, such as the φ0.008mm PtIr25 alloy fine wire from Wewei Technology.

② Industry Standards

With the development of the domestic medical device industry, the demand for medical-grade platinum and platinum alloy wires is increasing, and relevant industry standards are continuously being improved. These materials have higher requirements for mechanical properties, surface quality, chemical composition, biocompatibility, and corrosion resistance.

Platinum Iridium Alloy (PtIr10) has become the preferred material for many critical medical devices due to its excellent corrosion resistance, suitable mechanical strength, and good biocompatibility.

As medical technology advances, the demand for high-performance materials will continue to grow, and the application prospects for platinum iridium alloy in this field are broad. The combination of materials science and medical technology will ultimately bring more benefits to human health.