Abstract
Blood compatibility of the surface of the intravascular catheters made of teflon, polyethylene, polyvinylchloride, silicone rubber, and new heparinized hydrophilic polymer H-RSD has been studied by scarming electron microscopy. Catheters studied by SEM have been used in patients as the indwelling catheters in the central veinfor the purpose of hyperalimentation for the period of 3 to 85 days. Immediately after removal from the patient, inner surface of the tip of these catheters were observed by SEM. Thick thrombus formation and adhesion of a large amount of platelets were seen on the inner surface of the catheters made of teflon, polyethylene, and polyvinylchloride. Thrombus formation was seen in 70% of the silicone catheters, Platelet adhered to the surface were less, but had false feet. Thrombus formation in H-RSD catheters were observed in 14% But the platelet adhesion has been least and metamorphosis of the platelets on the surface of the H-RSD catheters were minimum. It is concluded that the newly developed H-RSD has better blood compatibilty compared to the conventional intravascular catheter.
