Clinical experience with alumina ceramic transcutaneous connector to prevent skin-exit infection around CAPD catheter

To prevent skin-exit infection, an important CAPD complication, we developed a transcutaneous connector made of Alumina ceramic. The new connector could be downsized, because an Alumina ceramic is characteristically bio-inert, rigid and non-porous. Our animal experiments with Alumina ceramic in soft tissue demonstrated the outstanding bio-compatibility of this material. The shape of the new transcutaneous connector was of simple cylindrical configuration so as to inhibit macrostress beneath the skin. To make contact with this connector in the body, a silicon tube was made into a Swan-necked catheter with a disk-shaped polyester cuff, which was positioned subcutaneously beneath the transcutaneous connector in order to reinforce adhesion to soft tissue. The silicon tube itself was L-shaped in its outside portion just before reaching the connector. We are now using this new transcutaneous connector made of Alumina ceramic on a CAPD catheter in 8 patients. In the longest case of a patient using it, there has been no skin-exit infection for 12 months. Also, there has been virtually no downgrowth phenomenon in the skin around the connector, and the connector and tissue have remained in very close contact, although fibrous connective tissue has been seen to form in the area.