Platinum use in medical devices

Platinum is widely recognised for its role in emissions control catalysts and jewellery, but some of its most important applications are found inside the human body.

Its resistance to corrosion, electrical conductivity, mechanical strength and visibility under X-ray make platinum particularly well suited to medical devices that must operate reliably for many years. These properties support technologies used to diagnose and treat heart disease, neurological disorders, chronic pain and hearing loss.

In cardiovascular medicine, platinum components help clinicians position catheters and stents accurately during minimally invasive procedures. Platinum electrodes are also used to map electrical activity in the heart and treat irregular heart rhythms. Pacemakers and implantable defibrillators rely on platinum-tipped leads and platinum-iridium components to deliver electrical stimulation safely and reliably.

Platinum coils offer a life-saving treatment for aneurysms. Inserted through a microcatheter, the coils can be monitored under X-ray and positioned inside the aneurysm, where they provide a structure around which blood can clot and form a permanent seal.

The metal also plays an important role in neuromodulation. Platinum electrodes can stimulate the brain, spinal cord and other nerves, supporting treatments for chronic pain and Parkinson’s disease. In cochlear implants, a platinum electrode array transmits electrical signals to the auditory nerve, helping restore a sense of hearing. Emerging brain-computer interfaces may extend these applications further by using platinum-iridium electrodes to record neural signals and deliver stimulation through the same device.

Although medical devices account for a relatively small quantity of platinum, the metal’s performance is critical. As devices become smaller, more sophisticated and remain in the body for longer, platinum will continue to support advances in life-changing and life-saving medical technology.

Find out more in the attached PGM spotlight.