Silver and new technology: dressings and devices.

• Abstract: BACKGROUND: Silver has long been known for its antimicrobial properties, and has been used with success for more than a century in informal medical applications. Recently, silver has been incorporated into medical devices and dressings. METHODS: Review of pertinent medical literature. RESULTS: Little or no evidence supports the use of silver on or in implanted devices, long-term transcutaneous devices, or topical dressings. Short-term transcutaneous devices (e.g., implantation for 2-10 days) may be afforded protection from infection. CONCLUSION: There is limited evidence of efficacy of silver in preventing infection of short-term implantable medical devices.
• Authors: Jonathan L Meakins (Affiliation: Nuffield Department of Surgery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom. jonathan.meakins at nds.ox.ac.uk)
• Journal: Surgical infections (Surg Infect (Larchmt)) Vol. 10 Issue 3 Pg. 293-6 (Jun 2009) ISSN: 1557-8674 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19566417 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Anti-Infective Agents
• Silver

Topics

• Anti-Infective Agents (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Bandages
• Equipment and Supplies
• Humans
• Silver (pharmacology, therapeutic use)