【Abstract】Objective To study the advances in clinical application of shape memory alloy (SMA) in general surgery. Methods The literature in the recent years on the advances of SMA was reviewed. Results At present clinical application of SMA have been developed. Different stents could dilate the benign and malignant stricture of blood vessels, biliary ducts, cola, recta and gastric outlet obstruction. The SMA catheter system was effective for peroral cholangiopancreatoscopy. Novel nitinol basket instrument might be useful for percutaneous cholecystolithotomy. Compression anastomoses was safe and sound in gastrointestinal surgery using a device made of SMA. Nitinol stent could be used in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt (TIPSS) with satisfactory results. Nitinol occlusion devices was superior to stainless steel coils. The Simon nitinol filter represented a new generation of venous interruption devices designed to prevent recurrent pulmonary embolism. Conclusion Clinical application of SMA will be increased by the development of endoscope, laparoscope and interventional technique.