PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Y Sutou

Publications and source records attributed to Y Sutou.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

Magnetic-field-induced shape recovery by reverse phase transformation.

Large magnetic-field-induced strains have been observed in Heusler alloys with a body-centred cubic ordered structure and have been explained by the rearrangement of martensite structural variants due to an external magnetic field. These materials have attracted considerable attention as potential magnetic actuator materials. Here we report the magnetic-field-induced shape recovery of a compressively deformed NiCoMnIn alloy. Stresses of over 100 MPa are generated in the material on the application of a magnetic field of 70 kOe; such stress levels are approximately 50 times larger than that generated in a previous ferromagnetic shape-memory alloy. We observed 3 per cent deformation and almost full recovery of the original shape of the alloy. We attribute this deformation behaviour to a reverse transformation from the antiferromagnetic (or paramagnetic) martensitic to the ferromagnetic parent phase at 298 K in the Ni45Co5Mn36.7In13.3 single crystal.

Journal Article↗

Effect of prestrain on martensitic transformation in a Ti46.4Ni47.6Nb6.0 superelastic alloy and its application to medical stents.

The effect of applied strain on martensitic transformation in a superelastic Ti(46.4)Ni(47.6)Nb(6.0) alloy at room temperature was investigated by tensile tests, differential scanning calorimetry measurements, and X-ray diffraction. Reverse transformation starting (A(s)) and finishing (A(f)) temperatures increased with the application of tensile-strain over 13%, the undeformed specimen showing A(s) = -29.2 degrees C and A(f) = 17.9 degrees C, while the 13% predeformed alloy exhibited A(s) = 37.1 degrees C and A(f) = 40.2 degrees C. Furthermore, the values of the A(s) and A(f) for the predeformed alloy almost recovered to those of the undeformed alloy when heated to about 42 degrees C and then showed superelasticity again at room temperature. This characteristic is significant for application in sensors, actuators, and medical devices. Especially, medical stents with such qualities show promise as a new class of self-expandable stents with both excellent mountability and deliverability.

Alloys↗

High maneuverability guidewire with functionally graded properties using new superelastic alloys.

Nitinol shape memory alloys (SMAs) are attracting considerable attention as core materials for medical guidewires because of their excellent flexibility and shape retention. However, since Nitinol guidewires possess low rigidity, the pushability and torquability of the guidewires are insufficient. On the other hand, although guidewires made of stainless steel have high pushability, plastic deformation occurs easily. We have developed a new class of superelastic guidewires with functionally graded properties from the tip to the end by using new SMA core materials such as Cu-Al-Mn-based or Ni-free Ti-Mo-Sn SMAs. The tip portion of the guidewire shows excellent superelasticity (SE), while the body portion possesses high rigidity. These functionally graded characteristics can be realized by microstructural control. These guidewires with functionally graded properties show excellent pushability and torquability and are considerably easier to handle than conventional guidewires with Nitinol or stainless steel cores. Moreover, a metallic catheter using a Ni-free Ti-based SMA with high biocompatibility is introduced.

Alloys↗

Diagnostic usefulness of MR imaging for pedunculated hepatocellular carcinoma.

Pedunculated hepatocellular carcinoma (HC) is an uncommon tumor of the liver. We present the case of a 56-year-old man with pedunculated HC arising from the lower surface of the liver. We recommend sagittal magnetic resonance imaging, which offers a superior choice of scanning planes, in the diagnosis of pedunculated HC.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗