Comparative structural analysis of polyurethane and silicone catheters of totally implantable venous access devices by micro-computed tomography.

Objectives: To investigate microstructural alterations of explanted long-term central venous catheters of totally implantable venous access devices, using micro-computed tomography.

Methods: A total of 16 catheters (9 made of silicone and 7 made of polyurethane), all non-fractured, have been analyzed in this study. Eight catheters were implanted for an average duration of 994 days (min-max: 98-2731 days), while the remaining eight catheters (four for each material, forming the SIref and PUref control groups) were analyzed before implant and used as a reference.