Abstract: A nickel-titanium-rare earth (Ni—Ti-RE) alloy comprises nickel at a concentration of from about 35 at. % to about 65 at. %, a rare earth element at a concentration of from about 1.5 at. % to about 15 at. %, boron at a concentration of up to about 0.1 at. %, with the balance of the alloy being titanium. In addition to enhanced radiopacity compared to binary Ni—Ti alloys and improved workability, the Ni—Ti-RE alloy preferably exhibits superelastic behavior. A method of processing a Ni—Ti-RE alloy includes providing a nickel-titanium-rare earth alloy comprising nickel at a concentration of from about 35 at. % to about 65 at. %, a rare earth element at a concentration of from about 1.5 at. % to about 15 at. %, the balance being titanium; heating the alloy in a homogenization temperature range below a critical temperature; and forming spheroids of a rare earth-rich second phase in the alloy while in the homogenization temperature range.

Abstract: A mixture of powders for preparing a sintered nickel-titanium-rare earth (Ni—Ti—RE) alloy includes Ni—Ti alloy powders comprising from about 55 wt. % Ni to about 61 wt. % Ni and from about 39 wt. % Ti to about 45 wt. % Ti, and RE alloy powders comprising a RE element.

Abstract: A method of forming a sintered nickel-titanium-rare earth (Ni—Ti-RE) alloy includes adding one or more powders comprising Ni, Ti, and a rare earth constituent to a powder consolidation unit comprising an electrically conductive die and punch connectable to a power supply. The one or more powders are heated at a ramp rate of about 35° C./min or less to a sintering temperature, and pressure is applied to the powders at the sintering temperature, thereby forming a sintered Ni—Ti-RE alloy.

Abstract: A system and method for non-invasive monitoring of cardiac activity in a human or animal is disclosed. A radiation source directs radiation through a patient site, and a detector detects radiation after passing through a patient tissue. A processor processes data derived from the detected radiation, determining pulse peaks and troughs and calculating area under a pulse peak to provide a real time cardiac output indicator. The radiation wavelength is on a haemoglobin spectral isosbestic point, not influenced by changes in SpO2 concentration. The processor performs numerical integration of pulse data between troughs, and wherein said integration is performed per pulse. Preferably, the processor monitors trends, thus providing very useful information and reducing need for calibration.