title: A comparison of performance between Teflon and polyurethane safety cannulae at extremes of operating temperatures.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In the United Kingdom, approximately eight million peripheral cannulations are performed each year. Intravenous cannulae are made from either polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) or polyurethane. Polyurethane has a lower incidence of thrombophlebitis, however the physical characteristics of polyurethane may make the cannulae difficult to use at higher ambient temperatures. This effect maybe of importance to those involved in cannulation in extreme environments and especially for military doctors deployed in current theatres of operations.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a randomised single blinded study we investigated the different characteristics of Teflon and polyurethane cannulae (Vasofix Safety Cannulae, B Braun) at three different temperatures (-10 degrees C, 21 degrees C and 40 degrees C).
  
  
  RESULTS
  There is no statistically significant difference in the ease or speed of cannulation of either polyurethane or Teflon safety cannulae in extremes of temperature.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides evidence that performance of polyurethane safety cannulae are not impaired by temperature extremes.
authors.affiliation: ST-3 Anaesthetics and Intensive Care Medicine, St Georges University Hospital, London.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jeyanathan
authors.forename: B B
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Webster
authors.forename: O J
authors.initials: OJ
authors.lastname: Hawksley
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Mellor
mesh_terms: D002404:Catheterization; D057785:Catheters / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003080:Cold Temperature; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000209:etiology; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D011140:Polyurethanes; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene