Mechanic and surface properties of central-venous port catheters after removal: A comparison of polyurethane and silicon rubber materials. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Braun, Ulrike; Lorenz, Edelgard; Weimann, Christiane; Sturm, Heinz; Karimov, Ilham; Ettl, Johannes; Meier, Reinhard; Wohlgemuth, Walter A.; Berger, Hermann; Wildgruber, Moritz
• Is Part Of: Journal of the mechanical behavior of biomedical materials. Volume 64(2016)
• Page Start: 281
• Page End: 291
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Central venous access port -- Complication -- Polyurethane -- Silicon rubber -- Structure property relationship -- Mechanical testing; Biomedical materials -- Periodicals; Biomedical materials -- Mechanical properties -- Periodicals; Biomedical materials; Biomedical materials -- Mechanical properties; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 610.28
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2016.08.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-6161

Abstract

Abstract: Central venous port devices made of two different polymeric materials, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and silicone rubber (SiR), were compared due their material properties. Both naïve catheters as well as catheters after removal from patients were investigated. In lab experiments the influence of various chemo-therapeutic solutions on material properties was investigated, whereas the samples after removal were compared according to the implanted time in patient. The macroscopic, mechanical performance was assessed with dynamic, specially adapted tests for elasticity. The degradation status of the materials was determined with common tools of polymer characterisation, such as infrared spectroscopy, molecular weight measurements and various methods of thermal analysis. The surface morphology was analysed using scanning electron microscopy. A correlation between material properties and clinical performance was proposed. The surface morphology and chemical composition of the polyurethane catheter materials can potentially result in increased susceptibility of the catheter to bloodstream infections and thrombotic complications. The higher mechanic failure, especially with increasing implantation time of the silicone catheters is related to the lower mechanical performance compared to the polyurethane material as well as loss of barium sulphate filler particles near the surface of the catheter. This results in preformed microscopic notches, which act as predetermined sites of fracture. Graphical abstract: Highlights: No chemical degradation of both polymeric catheter materials. By mechanical stress catheters loose BaSO4 particles, lead to surface defects. Compared to silicone polyurethane catheters own higher tensile strength.