Jane Burns , Robyn N. Irwin , James Quinn , Jessica V. Moore , David Pollard , Ased Ali , James Hands , Colin P. McCoy , Louise Carson , Matthew P. Wylie
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Catheter-associated urethral microtrauma is a significant complication of intermittent catheterisation, compromising patient quality of life (QOL) and increasing urinary tract infection risk. Current research is hindered by the lack of robust physiological models to evaluate the mechanical interactions between catheter materials and urethral tissue during intermittent catheterisation. This study introduces the first ex vivo porcine urethral model to investigate tribological performance and material-tissue interactions during intermittent catheter (IC) use, enabling more informed catheter design. We examined four commercial hydrophilic polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-coated ICs and a coating-free integrated amphiphilic surfactant (IAS) IC. ICs were inserted into porcine urethras using a texture analyser, held for two minutes, and withdrawn while measuring force and work done. Post-catheterisation, urethras were examined for microtrauma. Three of four PVP-coated catheters required significantly greater withdrawal force compared to the IAS catheter, correlating with increased urethral transitional membrane damage post-catheterisation. Ex vivo findings suggest that IAS catheters may lower the risk of complications compared with PVP-coated catheters in intermittent catheterisation. This study provides a new platform for comprehensive evaluation of IC-tissue interactions. It underscores the importance of tribological design in medical devices, aiding future innovation in device design and ultimately improve the QOL of patients undergoing intermittent catheterisation.
期刊介绍:
Materials and Design is a multi-disciplinary journal that publishes original research reports, review articles, and express communications. The journal focuses on studying the structure and properties of inorganic and organic materials, advancements in synthesis, processing, characterization, and testing, the design of materials and engineering systems, and their applications in technology. It aims to bring together various aspects of materials science, engineering, physics, and chemistry.
The journal explores themes ranging from materials to design and aims to reveal the connections between natural and artificial materials, as well as experiment and modeling. Manuscripts submitted to Materials and Design should contain elements of discovery and surprise, as they often contribute new insights into the architecture and function of matter.