Bacterial challenge study of a porous carbon percutaneous implant

Numerous percutaneous devices for power transmission and control to electrically powered, intracorporeal blood pumps have been used for periods ranging from 12 months to 4 yrs; however, consistent and reliable performance has not been achieved, due most frequently to the development of infection and sinus tracts at the percutaneous lead exit site. The present study showed that percutaneous devices fabricated from porous vitreous carbon can function satisfactorily in vivo over extended periods. The implant sites successfully resisted infection by normal flora bacteria for as long as 48 months, although superficial surface colonization and infection did occur after deliberate application of pathogens.