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In vitro bactericidal effect of a modified thermal Nitinol electrode
E N Liatsikos1, C Z Dinlenc, R Kapoor
1Department of Urology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York 11042, USA.
Journal of Endourology
|May 8, 2001
Summary
Electromagnetic energy from a surgical generator and Nitinol coil showed limited bactericidal effects on Escherichia coli (E. coli) in vitro. The effect was strongest in the center and decreased with distance, linked to temperature.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Microbiology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Nitinol stents are explored for medical applications.
- Electromagnetic energy's potential as a sterilization method is under investigation.
- Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a common bacterium relevant to various infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro bactericidal effect of electromagnetic energy generated by a Nitinol coil and surgical generator on Escherichia coli.
- To determine the relationship between applied voltage, temperature, and bacterial reduction.
Main Methods:
- An in vitro model using non-nutritive agar inoculated with E. coli was developed.
- A Nitinol coil connected to a surgical generator was placed in the agar.
- Electrical energy was applied incrementally (5-25 V), with treatment stopping at 50°C core temperature.
Main Results:
- Significant E. coli reduction was observed at 15 V and 20 V across all tested zones.
- At 25 V, significant bacterial reduction was confined to the core zone.
- Treatment duration varied with voltage, decreasing as voltage increased.
Conclusions:
- The bactericidal effect of the electromagnetic energy was localized to the central area and diminished towards the periphery.
- The observed effect was correlated with the temperature achieved during the procedure.
- These findings suggest limited utility of Nitinol stents for treating bacterial prostatitis via this method.
