Silver Catheter Research Articles

Analysis of the acute cytotoxicity of the Erlanger silver catheter.

The Erlanger silver catheter consists of a new form of polyurethane, which contains finely dispersed metallic silver. The aim of this study was to establish the biocompatibility of this intravenous catheter by investigating the acute cytotoxicity of extracts from the Erlanger silver catheter on human fibroblasts and lymphocytes. Extracts of the Erlanger silver catheter were not cytotoxic for MRC-5 human fibroblasts nor for sensitized phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated human lymphocytes. The addition of silver powder of up to 2% by weight to the basic catheter polyurethane Tecothane led to no increase in acute cytotoxicity in comparison with untreated Tecothane. The Erlanger silver catheter is a new intravenous catheter with good biocompatibility.

Prevention of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection with a Silver Oxide-Coated Urinary Catheter: Clinical and Microbiologic Correlates

In a prospective clinical trial involving 482 acutely hospitalized patients, the overall incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (UTI; 10%) was similar in recipients of a silver oxide-coated urinary catheter (silver catheter) or a control silicone catheter. However, female sex and absence of antimicrobial use were independently associated with an increased risk of UTI. After stratification for these variables, the silver catheter reduced the incidence of UTI among women not receiving antimicrobial agents (19% for control catheter vs. 0 for silver catheter, P = .04; confidence interval for the difference in incidence, 0.4%-38%) but not in the other subgroups. Gram-positive UTI was associated with absence of antimicrobial use, the control catheter, and catheter care violations. Gram-negative and candidal UTIs were more common after 7 days of catheterization, and candidal UTI was associated with being female and antimicrobial use. These findings demonstrate that several clinical variables influenced the incidence and microbiology of catheter-associated UTI and that the silver catheter appeared to prevent UTI among women not receiving antimicrobials.

The Silver Catheter

The Silver Catheter

CATHETER BROKEN OFF IN PROSTATIC PORTION OF URETHRA—EXPEDITIOUS REMOVAL.

The above cut represents an instrument which once helped me out of such a difficulty, without the patient ever knowing what had happened. I had occasion to pass a soft rubber catheter, No. II, into the bladder of a colored man. After drawing his urine and attempting to withdraw the catheter, imagine my dismay at having it break off in the prostatic region. Without mentioning the fact to my patient, I immediately passed the urethral forceps, and easily securing a grasp upon the broken end, al once withdrew the fragment entire. On another occasion I was unfortunate enough to have a pledget of absorbent cotton slip from my application plication, and remain in the cavity of the uterus. Again my alligator forceps came to my rescue, and I removed the foreign body without difficulty. The blunt end renders it as easy of introduction as an ordinary silver catheter. The cut

An account of a new mode of performing the high operation for the stone

The method of removing a stone from the bladder, which is detailed in this communication, is as follows :—An incision is made in the direction of the linea alba, beginning at the pubes, and four inches long, down to the tendon. The linea alba is then pierced close to the pubes, and divided to the extent of three inches. A silver catheter is now passed into the bladder; and its point being felt through the wound in the fundus of the bladder, a stilet is forced through it, followed by the end of the catheter. The stilet is then withdrawn, and the opening through the fundus of the bladder enlarged towards the pubes by a probe-pointed bistoury. The catheter is then withdrawn, and the stone removed. A flexible gum catheter is lastly introduced, by which the urine passes off. The subject of the above operation was a lad sixteen years of age. In ten days the wound of the bladder healed, and he made water freely by the urethra. The stone was very rough, and about an ounce in weight.