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Experimental pathology of intravenous polyurethane cannulae containing disinfectant
D Kingston1, E D Birnie, J Martin
1Microbial Pathogenicity Research Group, Clinical Research Centre, Middlesex.
Abstract:
Cannula tubing (1.6 mm external, 1 mm internal diameter) manufactured from medical grade polyurethane containing 2%, 2,4,4'-tri-chloro-2'-hydroxydiphenylether ('Irgasan', Ciba-Geigy) was found to have no effect other than that seen with control ('Irgasan'-free) tubing in the following test systems: (i) haemolysis, (ii) endothelial cell cultures, (iii) paravertebral muscle of rabbits, (iv) jugular vein of rabbits, (v) cannulation of baboons and (vi) clotting times of human platelet-rich plasma. However, the results from (iv) showed a significant amount of damage from both inpregnated and control cannulae and (v) showed that all detectable 'Irgasan' had been eluted from the portions of tubing retained within the animal before the end of the experiment, more rapidly than predicted from in-vitro studies. The rate of elution of 'Irgasan' in vivo needs to be further investigated, and consideration should be given to developing a plastic-disinfectant combination with a slower rate of loss of disinfectant.
Insights
Medical polyurethane cannula tubing with Irgasan (antimicrobial agent) showed no adverse effects in most tests. However, in vivo studies revealed significant damage and rapid elution of Irgasan, necessitating further research.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Medical Device Engineering
- Toxicology
Background:
- Medical grade polyurethane tubing is widely used in medical devices.
- Incorporating antimicrobial agents like Irgasan into biomaterials aims to prevent infections.
- Understanding the biocompatibility and in vivo performance of such materials is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the biocompatibility and performance of polyurethane cannula tubing containing Irgasan.
- To assess the elution rate of Irgasan from the tubing in vivo.
- To compare the effects of Irgasan-containing tubing with control tubing in various biological systems.
Main Methods:
- Testing included haemolysis, endothelial cell cultures, and rabbit paravertebral muscle and jugular vein.
- Cannulation of baboons and clotting times of human platelet-rich plasma were also assessed.
- In vitro and in vivo elution studies were conducted.
Main Results:
- Cannula tubing with Irgasan showed no adverse effects in haemolysis, cell cultures, muscle tissue, or clotting times.
- Significant damage was observed in rabbit jugular veins with both Irgasan-containing and control cannulae.
- In vivo elution of Irgasan was more rapid than predicted by in vitro studies.
Conclusions:
- Polyurethane cannula tubing with Irgasan exhibits good biocompatibility in most tested systems.
- The rapid in vivo elution of Irgasan and observed vascular damage warrant further investigation.
- Development of biomaterials with slower disinfectant elution rates is recommended.