ABSTRACT
The ability of magnesium to corrode in a saline environment, such as body fluids, has attracted interest in bioabsorbable magnesium implants that can temporarily assist in wound healing after cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, or general surgery. The biological role of magnesium involves supporting function of more than 600 enzymes, binds to Deoxyribo nucleic acid (DNA) and Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and is regulating signaling processes as an antagonist to Ca2+. Magnesium alloys contain impurities, such as iron, copper, or nickel. The amounts of trace elements depend on the alloy's composition, the technology for production, and the progress in alloy development. For biomedical applications, impurities have to be strictly controlled and kept minimal. Corrosion mechanisms of magnesium and its alloys have been thoroughly investigated for a variety of applications, including aerospace, automotive, transportation, and medical implant technology. The chapter summarizes the understanding of the BIOTRONIK magnesium scaffold resorption, based on analyses of samples from various studies in the porcine coronary artery model.
