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Can a hydrophilic guidewire be resterilized?
D M Eiley1, J Hettiarachchi, A Sahin
1Department of Urology, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York, USA.
Journal of Endourology
|June 2, 1998
Summary
Gas sterilization does not harm Glidewire surface structure or slipperiness. Resterilization effectively eliminates bacterial growth, ensuring safe use of these hydrophilic guidewires in medical procedures.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Medical Device Sterilization
- Materials Science
Background:
- Glidewires feature hydrophilic coatings for easier urinary tract navigation.
- Understanding the impact of sterilization on device integrity is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of gas sterilization on Glidewire surface properties and bacterial growth support.
- To assess the impact of repeated gas sterilization cycles on Glidewire performance.
Main Methods:
- Microscopic analysis (light and scanning electron microscopy) of new vs. resterilized Glidewire tips.
- Subjective slipperiness assessment by 10 blinded urologists.
- Bacterial culture analysis using Bacillus stearothermophilus to assess sterilization efficacy.
Main Results:
- No significant surface structure changes were observed after one or three gas sterilization cycles.
- Most urologists reported similar or improved slipperiness in resterilized Glidewires.
- Standard gas sterilization demonstrated bactericidal effects, with no bacterial growth detected on treated wires.
Conclusions:
- Gas sterilization does not compromise the hydrophilic coating or lubricity of Glidewires.
- Gas resterilization is effective in eliminating bacterial contamination, even with heat-tolerant organisms.