The biocompatibility and mechanical properties of cylindrical NiTi thin films produced by magnetron sputtering

► We investigated whether magnetron sputtering is a suitable method to produce small NiTi thin film stents. ► Basic mechanical properties and the biocompatibility were analyzed. ► The main advantages are the small feature size and the lack of carbides. ► NiTi sputtered tubes have a high potential for application as vascular implants.