Scanning electron microscopic investigations of surface treated large-bore catheters used for extracorporeal...

Typical complications caused by surface properties of synthetic catheter implants are infection, thrombosis, and stenosis. New methods for surface modification with the aim of reducing such complications are ion beam-based technologies. In our study 109 large-bore catheters without (n = 42) and with treated surfaces with silver (n = 39) or silicone (n = 28) were inserted into the interna jugular and the subclavian veins and were used for extracorporeal detoxification methods. After removal, the catheters were investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and for bacterial colonization. In 42 large-bore catheters without surface treatment deposits of fibrin, protein and blood cells were seen on the inner and outer surface. Bacterial colonization was observed in 38.1%. In contrast, the catheters with treated outer surfaces showed a very low thrombogenicity and a low contamination rate of 8.9%. The ion beam-based technologies reduce the thrombogenicity and infection rates of the catheter surfaces. In comparison to catheters without treated surfaces, catheters with surface treatment are good alternatives in blood contacting applications ranging from hemodialysis to oncology.