metal (or composite) safe to be implanted into the body

[calaway]

I would like to know what kind of metal (or composite) are usually considered safe to be implanted into human body. The material should be OK to be processed into any shape, and should be strong enough (for example, a thin needle can keep straight).
Thank you in advance!

 

[DVWE]

Most metal plates now are titanium. I have one in my neck!

 

[gr2vessels]

Depends what's safe and to whom;- sometimes the led may do the job, in a cylindrical, pointy shape. The needle turned usefull also...

 

[kclim]

Try google searches, prefaced with 'biocompatible' - that should get you more than enough relevant links.

 

[gariartola]

The following ones can be used for implants:
- Stainless steel 316L
- Commercially pure titanium
- Titanium alloy Ti6Al4V
- CoCr alloys
There is a very nice book on the subject whose title is "Bioengieering materials" published by Elsevier.
It also covers ceramics, polymers and the interaction between the materials and the human tissue.

 

[TVP]

The list provided by gariartola is a good place to start your investigation. Since it appears that you have no experience or knowledge about materials for medical devices, I would strongly encourage you to invest in some thorough, high quality reference books on the subject. In addition to the Elsevier book, you should review the book Handbook of Materials for Medical Devices from ASM International. Use the following link for more information:

http://asmcommunity.asminternational.org/portal/site/

http://www/menuitem.2b9d1953d012ee1...975dfae0f8110VgnVCM100000701e010aRCRD&itemId=