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Development of a polyurethane percutaneous access device for long-term vascular access
A Allan1, T R Graham, P S Withington
1Department of Anaesthetics, London Hospital, UK.
ASAIO Transactions
|July 1, 1990
Summary
A novel percutaneous access device (PCAD) with a porous polyurethane button promotes healing and prevents infections. This innovation offers improved long-term vascular access by creating a natural barrier against microbial invasion.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Infectious Disease Prevention
- Medical Device Development
Background:
- Percutaneous devices create infection risks at the exit site.
- Natural barriers, like collagen/epithelial interfaces, prevent infections in percutaneous organs.
- Existing vascular access catheters are prone to infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a new percutaneous access device (PCAD) designed to prevent microbial invasion.
- To assess the healing and infection prevention capabilities of the PCAD.
- To determine the efficacy of the PCAD for long-term vascular access.
Main Methods:
- Implantation of twelve PCADS in calves for up to 127 days.
- Utilizing PCADS for venting and wire passage to left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) as controls.
- Histologic examination to assess tissue integration and barrier formation.
Main Results:
- All PCADS demonstrated excellent healing with no exit site or catheter-related infections.
- Histology confirmed fibroblastic in-growth and collagen deposition within the porous polyurethane button.
- The device design inhibited sinus formation and epithelial migration, anchoring the device effectively.
Conclusions:
- The novel PCAD effectively reduces exit site infections associated with percutaneous devices.
- The device promotes a collagen/epithelial interface, enhancing stability and preventing microbial entry.
- PCADS show promise for improving long-term vascular access safety and efficacy.