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Silver Coating of Dialysis Catheters to Reduce Bacterial Colonization and Infection
Author(s) -
Tobin Eric J.,
Bambauer Rolf
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
therapeutic apheresis and dialysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.415
H-Index - 53
eISSN - 1744-9987
pISSN - 1744-9979
DOI - 10.1046/j.1526-0968.2003.00097.x
Subject(s) - medicine , colonization , dialysis , microbiology and biotechnology , intensive care medicine , coating , nanotechnology , materials science , biology
Complications resulting from infection remain a major problem for hemodialysis catheters, with significant numbers of catheters being removed due to catheter‐related sepsis. Numerous strategies have been employed to reduce the occurrence of infection and improve long‐term outcomes, with varying degrees of success. One promising approach is coating the external surface of catheters with silver using physical vapor deposition processes. This article reviews results of animal and clinical experiments conducted to assess efficacy and biocompatibility of silver‐coated dialysis catheters. It is concluded that silver coatings can reduce bacterial colonization and occurrence of infection associated with these devices.