Galvanic Corrosion

Description

Mr Shiraz Sabah provides his expert insights and explains a situation where a battery is formed within the body due to the interaction between bodily fluids and medical implants. The body's saline tissue fluid acts as an electrolyte that facilitates the flow of electric current. A stainless steel wire, utilized as part of a medical device, undergoes corrosion as it loses electrons, thereby functioning as the anode or positive side of the makeshift battery. In contrast, a cobalt chrome implant receives these electrons, protecting itself and operating as the cathode or negative side. This phenomenon is identified as galvanic corrosion, highlighting the biochemical processes that can occur with certain materials in the human body.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-251251