title: Effects of reprocessing on chemical and morphological properties of guide wires used in angioplasty.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the influence of the reprocessing technique of enzymatic bath with ultrasonic cleaning and ethylene oxide sterilization on the chemical properties and morphological structure of polymeric coatings of guide wire for regular guiding catheter.
  
  
  METHODS
  These techniques simulated the routine of guide wire reprocessing in many hemodynamic services in Brazil and other countries. Samples from three different manufacturers were verified by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A single or double sterilization of the catheters with ethylene oxide was not associated with morphological or chemical changes. However, scanning electron microscopy images showed that the washing method was associated with rough morphological changes, including superficial holes and bubbles, in addition to chemical changes of external atomic layers of polymeric coating surfaces, as detected by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy method, which is compatible with extended chemical changes on catheter surfaces.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The reprocessing of the catheters with ethylene oxide was not associated with morphological or chemical changes, and it seemed appropriate to maintain guide wire coating integrity. However, the method combining chemical cleaning with mechanical vibration resulted in rough anatomical and chemical surface deterioration, suggesting that this reprocessing method should be discouraged.
authors.forename: Rogério Valentim
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Gelamo
authors.forename: Eva Cláudia Venâncio de
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Sene
authors.forename: Luciana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Paiva
authors.forename: Cristina da Cunha Hueb Barata de
authors.initials: Cda C
authors.lastname: Oliveira
authors.forename: André Luiz
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Maltos
authors.forename: Wido H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Schreiner
authors.forename: Mário Bica de
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Moraes
authors.forename: Alfredo R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Vaz
authors.forename: Stanislav A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Moshkalev
authors.forename: Daniel Ferreira da
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Cunha
mesh_terms: D017130:Angioplasty / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D062906:Cardiac Catheters; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000737:chemistry; D017743:Equipment Reuse; D005027:Ethylene Oxide / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D013242:Sterilization / Q000379:methods*; D013499:Surface Properties / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D014732:Vibration
chemical_list: D004202:Disinfectants; D011108:Polymers; D005027:Ethylene Oxide