PC coating
1 / 1Pages

modern technology compatible and durable seal- surface of implants to prevent biofilm formation and subsequent encrustation. It is successfully used not only in urolosy but also in other medical fields (e.3. coronary stents, contact lenses). Since 10 years now UROTECH is successfully using Phosphorylcholine-coating on urological devices. PC lowers proven the risk of encrustations and infections, which results in prolonging the indwelling time of ure- teral stents and nephrostomy catheters. Below, we would like to show the effectiveness of the PC-coated ureteral stents minimize » significantly stent associated morbidity » frequency of urinary tract infections cost for accompanying medication (anticholinergics, antibiotics) Cross-section of a catheter after three months implantation in urological devices Phosphorylcholine is according to the described effec- tiveness highly suitable for the application in the urology. The water molecules on the surface of the implants stop the binding of other molecules and materials on the PC- surface and reduce at the same time the coefficient of friction, which results in a better implantation behaviour. Even a short time after implantation a biofilm formation on the surface of uncoated catheters is observed, con- taining multiple microorganism and extracellular matrices. This biofilm can be seen as a permanent reservoir of bacteria, protected against antibiotic therapy and main- taining a catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAU- Tl). Most of these microorganism are forming urea split- ting enzymes (urease) resulting in an increasing ph-level of urine and in the biofilm. If the ph-level exceed the neutral point (ph=7), different soluted molecules pre- cipitate and crystallise on the surface of the implant. An encrustation is formed, the inner lumen of the catheter narrows and the implant is not functioning. Due to the water film on its surface Posphorylcholine reduces the adhesion of bacteria and proteins, resulting in a decreased biofilm and therefore significantly lowers 5 VERTELLUS BIOMATERIALS PC is a trademark of Vertellus Specialties UK, Limited, all rishts reserved.