title: Design and thermo-mechanical analysis of a new NiTi shape memory alloy fixing clip.
abstract: In this work, a new NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) bone fixator is proposed. Thanks to the shape memory effect, this device does not need any external tool for the fixation, as the anchorage is obtained only by the self-accommodation of the clip during the parent transformation. Calorimetry and thermo-mechanical tests were used to evaluate the phase transformation temperatures and to estimate the forces generated both during the fixing surgical procedure and after the surgical operation. An application on animal anatomical sample was also performed; an appropriate mechanical tightness as well as a good handiness has been found.
authors.affiliation: CNR-IENI Unità di Lecco, Corso Promessi Sposi 29, 23900 Lecco, Italy. Electronic address: a.nespoli@ieni.cnr.it.
authors.forename: Adelaide
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nespoli
authors.affiliation: ProMev, via Cavour, 41, 23900 Lecco, Italy.
authors.forename: Villiam
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Dallolio
authors.affiliation: TECHNOSPRINGS Italia s.r.l., via G. Puccini, 4, 21010 Besnate (VA), Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Stortiero
authors.affiliation: CNR-IENI Unità di Lecco, Corso Promessi Sposi 29, 23900 Lecco, Italy.
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Besseghini
authors.affiliation: CNR-IENI Unità di Lecco, Corso Promessi Sposi 29, 23900 Lecco, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Passaretti
authors.affiliation: CNR-IENI Unità di Lecco, Corso Promessi Sposi 29, 23900 Lecco, Italy.
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Villa
mesh_terms: D000497:Alloys / Q000737:chemistry; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D008422:Materials Testing; D009532:Nickel / Q000737:chemistry*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D013696:Temperature; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D000497:Alloys; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D009532:Nickel; D014025:Titanium
keywords: Bone clip; NiTi; Shape memory alloy; Staple