Abstract
Aim: To investigates the different methods of balloon deflation, types of urinary catheters and exposure to urine media in catheter balloon cuffing. Materials and methods: Bardex®, Bard-Lubri-Sil®, Argyle®, Releen® and Biocath® were tested in sterile and E.Coli inoculated urine at 0, 14 and 28 days. Catheter deflation was performed with active deflation; passive deflation; passive auto-deflation; and excision of the balloon inflow channel. Balloon cuffing was assessed objectively by running the deflated balloon over a plate of agar and subjectively by 3 independent observers. Results: Bardex®, Argyle® and Biocath® showed greater degree of catheter balloon cuffing (p < 0.01). Active balloon deflation was the worst method (p < 0.01). The presence of infected urine media also contributed to greater balloon cuffing (p > 0.05). Linear regression model analysis confirmed time as the most significant factor. Conclusion: The duration of catheters exposure, different deflation methods and types of catheters tested contributed significantly to catheter balloon cuffing (p < 0.01).
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