Efficacy of silver-coated medical devices.

Abstract

Silver coating of medical devices is believed to prevent device-associated infection. Several in-vitro and in-vivo studies, as well as clinical observations on silver-nylon, silver-intramedullary pins, silver oxide Foley catheters and silver-coated vascular prostheses have been performed during the past 30 years. Nevertheless, randomized clinical studies showing efficacy of such coated medical devices in high-risk patient populations are rare, have dealt with very small numbers of patients or are controversial. Physico-chemical, pharmacological and microbiological data explaining the antimicrobial efficacy of silver in prophylaxis of implants are presented here, as well as the scientific background for the established clinical benefits of silver-preparations in burns.

• Authors: J M Schierholz, L J Lucas, A Rump, G Pulverer
• Journal: The Journal of hospital infection (J Hosp Infect) Vol. 40 Issue 4 Pg. 257-62 (Dec 1998) ISSN: 0195-6701 [Print] England
• PMID: 9868616 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Coated Materials, Biocompatible
• Silver

Topics

• Blood Vessel Prosthesis (adverse effects)
• Bone Nails (adverse effects)
• Catheters, Indwelling (adverse effects)
• Coated Materials, Biocompatible (chemistry)
• Equipment Contamination (prevention & control)
• Humans
• Materials Testing
• Prosthesis-Related Infections (etiology, prevention & control)
• Silver (chemistry)
• Urinary Catheterization (instrumentation)