title: Biomechanical performance of new cardiovascular needles.
abstract: Cardiovascular needles are now being manufactured from new stainless steel alloys containing high concentrations of nickel, Surgalloy and Ethalloy. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical performance of a cardiovascular needle made of Surgalloy with a comparably sized needle made of Ethalloy. The parameters of biomechanical performance included sharpness, maintenance of sharpness, resistance to bending, and ductility. Because the biomechanical performance of these needles was remarkably similar, cardiovascular needles made of either the Surgalloy or Ethalloy alloys are recommended for cardiovascular surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville 22908, USA.
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Thacker
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Ferguson
authors.forename: G T
authors.initials: GT
authors.lastname: Rodeheaver
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Edlich
mesh_terms: D000497:Alloys; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D013504:Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D009339:Needles; D009532:Nickel; D013193:Stainless Steel; D013537:Sutures
chemical_list: D000497:Alloys; D013193:Stainless Steel; D009532:Nickel