medical leads fabricated from low - modulus ti - nb - zr alloys to provide enhanced biocompatibility and hemocompatibility . the medical leads may be surface hardened by oxygen or nitrogen diffusion or by coating with a tightly adherent , hard , wear - resistant , hemocompatible ceramic coating . it is contemplated that the ti - nb - zr alloy can be substituted as a fabrication material for any portion of a medical lead that either comes into contact with blood thereby demanding high levels of hemocompatibility , or that is subject to microfretting , corrosion , or other wear and so that a low modulus metal with a corrosion - resistant , hardened surface would be desirable .