Surface implantation treatments to prevent infection complications in short term devices.

Surface treatments of short term devices are actually evaluated to reduce the risk of infections, which in particular are one of the main causes of complications following catheter insertion. We have investigated the efficacy of ion beam techniques to reduce bacterial adhesion-or to induce bactericidal activity of different polymer materials: PVC, silicone rubber, poly(urethane) and poly(ethylene). Two routes have been evaluated, based on the production of non fouling surfaces, through the production of diamond-like surfaces upon irradiation with rare gases, or the implantation of silver, known for its bactericidal action.