The design and application of NiTi shape memory alloy bow staple in cranioplasty

The NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) bow staple consists of an arched body,one front arm and one rear arm.It has the function of shape memory and manyadvantages,i.e.,high strength,low specific gravity,strong retrieving force,highresistance to fatigue and erosion,nontoxicity,nonmagnetism and goodhistocompatibility.It can be widely used and make the fixation convenient and ef-fective.The staple has been used clinically in 152 cases of cranioplasty.Resultshave showed that duration of the operation is shortened and harm during the op-eration is reduced,because dura mater needn’t be seperated and the skull needn’tbe penetrated through.Some complications can be avoided and the operationbecomes simpler,safer and more reliable.The bow staple is suitable for fixationwith any kind of repairing material in cranioplasty and does not interfere withthe CT and MRI reexaminations.