Platinum Is Finding New Uses in Health Care
The trading price of platinum is not about to go down. One reason? With every new year, platinum is finding new applications in healthcare and medicine.
Let’s take a closer look.
Hip and knee replacements and more . . .
Because of its biocompatibility and ability to be formed into a variety of shapes that range from plates to wires to large components, platinum is a metal of choice for implantable devices that include hip and knee implants, plates and screws that are used to stabilize broken bones, devices that are used to stabilize or support the spine, and more.
Cancer drugs . . .
Over the last 50 years, a number of platinum-based medicines have been developed to fight ovarian, testicular and other cancers. One such medicine, Cisplatin, has been in use since 1977. Another cancer drug, Satraplatin, is now being used for prostate cancer. These medications work because platinum inhibits cell division, so cancerous cells can be stopped from reproducing aggressively.
Stent and other “interventional” devices . . .
Because platinum is biocompatible – it doesn’t tarnish and is not rejected by the human body – it is the metal of choice for cardiac and other stents that are left permanently in the body. It is also widely used to make the cases for implantable defibrillators, pacemakers, and neuromonitoring devices used to control Parkinson’s and other disorders. As America’s population ages, the demand for those devices is only going to increase.
Testing devices . . .
Because platinum is an excellent conductor of electricity, it is used in equipment that is used to test cardiac functions. Platinum is also used in wires and catheters that are used during arthroscopic, ophthalmic, and other surgical procedures.
Demand for Your Platinum Scrap Is High!
The strong demand for platinum, coupled with its relative rareness in nature, means that the demand for platinum scrap will stay strong. Call us at 800-426-2344 to learn more.
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