title: Efficacy of silver-coated medical devices.
abstract: Silver coating of medical devices is believed to prevent device-associated infection. Several in-vitro and in-vivo studies, as well as clinical observations on silver-nylon, silver-intramedullary pins, silver oxide Foley catheters and silver-coated vascular prostheses have been performed during the past 30 years. Nevertheless, randomized clinical studies showing efficacy of such coated medical devices in high-risk patient populations are rare, have dealt with very small numbers of patients or are controversial. Physico-chemical, pharmacological and microbiological data explaining the antimicrobial efficacy of silver in prophylaxis of implants are presented here, as well as the scientific background for the established clinical benefits of silver-preparations in burns.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Cologne.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Schierholz
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Lucas
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rump
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pulverer
mesh_terms: D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects; D001858:Bone Nails / Q000009:adverse effects; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible / Q000737:chemistry; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012834:Silver / Q000737:chemistry; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation
chemical_list: D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D012834:Silver