Silver and new technology: dressings and devices.
BACKGROUND
Silver has long been known for its antimicrobial properties, and has been used with success for more than a century in informal medical applications. Recently, silver has been incorporated into medical devices and dressings.


METHODS
Review of pertinent medical literature.


RESULTS
Little or no evidence supports the use of silver on or in implanted devices, long-term transcutaneous devices, or topical dressings. Short-term transcutaneous devices (e.g., implantation for 2-10 days) may be afforded protection from infection.


CONCLUSIONS
There is limited evidence of efficacy of silver in preventing infection of short-term implantable medical devices.
Meakins
Jonathan L
JL
Nuffield Department of Surgery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom. jonathan.meakins@nds.ox.ac.uk
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001458:Bandages; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D006801:Humans; D012834:Silver / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D012834:Silver