Scanning electron microscopic investigation of catheters for blood access.
Large-bore catheters for extracorporeal detoxification methods without and with treated surface with silver or silicone were investigated after removal with a scanning electron microscope and for bacterial colonization. In 42 large-bore catheters of three different materials, small deposits of fibrin and protein on the inner and outer surface were seen. This second layer covered the entire surface after 3 days and increased to a thickness of 3 to 60 microns during the following days. Bacterial colonization was observed in 38.1%. In contrast to these results, the catheters with the treated outer surface showed a very low thrombogenicity and a low contamination rate of 6.7%.
University of Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
R
R
Bambauer
P
P
Mestres
K J
KJ
Pirrung
P
P
Sioshansi
D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011126:Polypropylenes; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D011140:Polyurethanes; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012828:Silicones; D012834:Silver; D013499:Surface Properties
D011126:Polypropylenes; D011140:Polyurethanes; D012828:Silicones; D012834:Silver; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene