Brain aneurysm clip ferromagnetism controversy

Dr. McFadden (Johnson & Johnson consultant) and a rival neurosurgeon fought over what alloys could safely be implanted near the brain given 5-tesla MRI fields. The 304 stainless martensitic-transformation argument made some MDs argue any iron-containing alloy was unsafe; Tom recommended MP35N (zero iron) and resolved the ASTM-spec dispute in McFadden's favor.

I once got involved in a fight — I didn't get involved, there was a fight. There was a neurosurgeon, one of the top neurosurgeons in the country, this was 15 to 20 years ago. The companies that make medical instruments basically pay big consulting fees to a few top MDs to design new types of surgery instruments. People were concerned — there were two top neurosurgeons, and one, I can't remember his name, but Dr. McFadden was the one consulting for Johnson and Johnson.