A guide to shape memory and superelasticity in Nitinol medical devices.

Shape memory and superelasticity properties of Nitinol have allowed the development of many novel medical devices. The intent of this paper is to approach the shape memory effect from the perspective of the attributes of a simple, yet elegant Nitinol device, the Homer Mammaloktrade mark needle localizer. Manufacturing methods, deformation behavior and temperature dependence of the device will be briefly reviewed.