Silver and new technology: dressings and devices

Silver has long been known for its antimicrobial properties, and has been used with success for more than a century in informal medical applications. Recently, silver has been incorporated into medical devices and dressings.

Review of pertinent medical literature.

Little or no evidence supports the use of silver on or in implanted devices, long-term transcutaneous devices, or topical dressings. Short-term transcutaneous devices (e.g., implantation for 2-10 days) may be afforded protection from infection.

There is limited evidence of efficacy of silver in preventing infection of short-term implantable medical devices.