A method of texturing polycrystalline iridium includes the steps of
cold/warm working of the polycrystalline iridium at equal to or below its
re-crystallization temperature to break up the polycrystalline structure
such that the orientation favors one direction (i.e. the <110>
direction), and re-crystallizing the iridium such that a majority of
grains are aligned in the preferred direction. The textured
polycrystalline material is then used in vascular devices such as stents.