1. Is there a chemical composition datasheet of Vasculoy®?
| Chromium | 14,0-16,5 |
| Iron | balance (~69,% |
| Cobalt | -- |
| Carbon | 0,10-0,20 |
| Manganese | 10,0- 12,0 |
| Molybdenum | 3,0-4,0 |
| Nickel | Max. 0,05 |
| Phosphorus | Max. 0,05 |
| Platinum | -- |
| Sulfur | -- |
| Silicon | Max. 0,50 |
| Nitrogen | 0,55-0,70 |
| Tungsten | -- |
2. How is Vasculoys® wear resistance?
The wear resistance has to be tested for the specific tribological conditions. As the mechanical properties of Vasculoy® are nearly identical to L605 a similar wear resistance is assumed.
3. In what form is Vasculoy® available?
Vasculoy® is available as tube, sheet and wire.
4. How does Vasculoy® compare to other Ni-free stainless steel such as ASTM F2229?
Vasculoy® shows a similar chemical composition as specified in ASTM F2229 (and also F2581) but with lower Manganese and Chromium content and slightly lower Nitrogen content. The chemical composition of Vasculoy® ensures a high strength combined with a high break elongation. Especially the Nitrogen content is adjusted in a very small range.
5. How does the weldability of Vasculoy® compare to other stainless steels and CoCr alloys?
The weldability of Vasculoy® is as good as for stainless steel and CoCr alloys.
6. How do the mechanical properties of Vasculoy® compare to those of MP35N?
The mechanical properties of Vasculoy® are like MP35N (slightly higher strength, slightly lower break elongation) but MP35N has 35 % Nickel!
7. What is the difference between the performance of Nitinol and Vasculoy®?
NiTi is a totally other class of material. Its super-elasticity makes a comparison of the mechanical properties difficult. Strength is about 20 % higher. The elastic elongation is 10 times better than for Vasculoy, L605 or 316L. But NiTi has about 50 % Nickel.
8. Are there already clinical studies of Vasculoy®?
Clinical studies have been implemented and the next bigger clinical studies for Vasculoy® stents will start in a few weeks.
9. Is Vasculoy® available for sale?
The processing of Vasculoy® should be performed by MeKo as the content of Nitrogen has to be preserved in a tight range and the electro-polishing needs special expertise as the material is highly chemical/corrosion resistant.