An experimental study of hydrophilic plastics for urological use

Hydrophilic graft copolymers of polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA) were extruded into tubular form. These materials increase both external and internal diameters by 60% on contact with water. The tubes were used as ureteric stents in an experimental study and were superior to silicone stents of the same calibre in the limitation of urinary extravasation. Histological, cytotoxic and electron microscopic studies showed that PEVA is a biocompatible material suitable for clinical use in urology.