title: In vitro analysis of balloon cuffing phenomenon: inherent biophysical properties of catheter material or mechanics of catheter balloon deflation?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigates the different methods of balloon deflation, types of urinary catheters and exposure to urine media in catheter balloon cuffing.
  
  
  METHODS
  Bardex®, Bard-Lubri-Sil®, Argyle®, Releen® and Biocath® were tested in sterile and E.Coli inoculated urine at 0, 14 and 28 days. Catheter deflation was performed with active deflation; passive deflation; passive auto-deflation; and excision of the balloon inflow channel. Balloon cuffing was assessed objectively by running the deflated balloon over a plate of agar and subjectively by 3 independent observers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Bardex®, Argyle® and Biocath® showed greater degree of catheter balloon cuffing (p < 0.01). Active balloon deflation was the worst method (p < 0.01). The presence of infected urine media also contributed to greater balloon cuffing (p > 0.05). Linear regression model analysis confirmed time as the most significant factor.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The duration of catheters exposure, different deflation methods and types of catheters tested contributed significantly to catheter balloon cuffing (p < 0.01).
authors.affiliation: Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. ericchg@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: Karina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: So
mesh_terms: D001698:Biomedical Engineering; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000254:growth & development; D006801:Humans; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate / Q000737:chemistry; D008422:Materials Testing; D008954:Models, Biological; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012828:Silicones / Q000737:chemistry; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D014556:Urine / Q000382:microbiology
chemical_list: D012828:Silicones; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate