UL researchers create alloy to improve X-ray visibility

Scientists and engineers at the University of Limerick (UL) have invented a metal which will make implanting medical devices such as heart stents safer.

A metal alloy created at UL’s Materials Surface Science Institute is fully visible under X-ray, thereby making it easier for surgeons to work with.

The research was conducted through a partnership between UL and Cook Medical, supported by Enterprise Ireland.

Stent and other implant procedures are usually carried out with the help of some kind of medical imaging such as X-ray fluoroscopy so that a surgeon has clear visibility of where the device is placed.

Dr Syed Tofail, lead scientist of the UL team said: “A problem with current materials used for making these devices is that they do not show up very well under X-ray. The problem becomes even more acute when the size of the medical device becomes smaller.

“Using X-ray visible markers is a less than optimal solution. Up to now many companies have used gold or platinum to modify existing alloys, which improve X-ray visibility but are very expensive. We have identified a number of alloying elements that will make these devices as visible as those where platinum has been added to enhance the visibility, but at a significantly reduced cost.”

Bill Doherty, executive vice president of Cook Medical, said the project showed the strength of UL research impacting on the industrial community.

Professor Noel O’Dowd of UL said the project was a further example of developing new materials for industrial applications: “The success of this research shows a high return on investment made by the Irish Government both on commercialisation of research and the research infrastructure.”

Cook Medical employs nearly 800 people in Limerick.