Scientists who developed a new platinum chromium alloy for use in surgery are to be recognised with an award from R&D Magazine.

Paul Jablonski, Paul Turner and Ed Argetsinger will be honoured with the award in October for their work on the material which is used in the manufacturing of Boston Scientific Corporation's new stent system.

The team from the National Energy Technologies Laboratories (NETL) began work on the alloy ten years ago, reports democratherald.com.

"We're proud of this," Mr Turner told news provider. "I think this is one of the top projects I've been involved with in 37 years of federal service."

They developed the platinum chromium technology that was eventually incorporated into Boston's PROMUS stent for treating coronary diseases.

NETL's alloy is designed to be more visible during surgery, as well as being stronger and more flexible than stainless steel versions.

According to the publication, Boston's stent has won 22 per cent of the market after launching in Europe with CE Mark approval in 2009.

Recently announced results from a 12-month study showed the stent demonstrated "excellent safety and effectiveness".

Boston expects to win approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for the stent sometime next year.

Sources:

Three honored for stent research (10/07/11)

PROMUS Element™ Stent Demonstrates Exceptional Safety and Effectiveness in PLATINUM Small Vessel Study (20/05/11)

Boston Scientific's Promus Element™ Platinum Chromium Stent System Demonstrates Comparable Safety And Effectiveness Outcomes Versus Leading Drug-Eluting Stent In Platinum Workhorse Trial (04/04/11)

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