Abstract: An improved method of selectively annealing a needle and the needle prepared by the improved method is disclosed. A curved needle is positioned adjacent a flat electromagnetic induction coil. The curved body of the needle is positioned in a plane parallel with the coil plane of the flat induction coil. A current is delivered through the coil to selectively heat and consequently selectively anneal a portion of the needle. The improved method enables the selective annealing of curved needles, and is especially useful for the manufacture of surgical needles.

Abstract: An improved method of selectively annealing a needle and the needle prepared by the improved method is disclosed. A curved needle is positioned adjacent a flat electromagnetic induction coil. The curved body of the needle is positioned in a plane parallel with the coil plane of the flat induction coil. A current is delivered through the coil to selectively heat and consequently selectively anneal a portion of the needle. The improved method enables the selective annealing of curved needles, and is especially useful for the manufacture of surgical needles.

Abstract: A new and useful predictor for maraging stainless steel alloys is created, called the martensite finish temperature, M.sub.f (.degree. F.). This formula enables one to predict the temperature at which a steel is entirely converted to martensite, and is described as M.sub.f =1027--78% Ni--27% Ti--34% Mo. A desirable needle alloy for this amount is nickel at 10%, molybdenum at about 2.7%, and titanium at about 2%.

Abstract: A novel cardiac pacing lead. The pacing lead has a conductive wire comprising a single filament of a low modulus metal. A surgical needle is mounted to a distal end of the wire and an electrode needle is mounted to the proximal end of the wire. An integral anchor is formed in a distal, uninsulated section of the wire for anchoring the pacing lead in heart muscle. The wire has a "hand" similar to multifilament wires.