Surface-Treated Pellethanes: Comparative Quantification of Encrustation in Artificial Urine Solution

Surface-Treated Pellethanes:Comparative Quantification of Encrustation　in Artificial Urine Solution

JOURNAL OF ENDOUROLOGY　Volume 34, Number 8, August 2020
Pp. 868–873
Surface-Treated Pellethanes: Comparative Quantification of Encrustation in Artificial Urine Solution

Introduction: Encrustation of implanted urinary tract devices is associated with significant morbidity. Pellethane is a polyether-based compound noted for its strength, porosity, and resistance to solvents. We assessed　Pellethane thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with and without surface coatings 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (TETRA) for the potential to resist encrustation in an artificial urine environment.

Materials and Methods: Samples of Pellethane TPU, HEMA Pellethane TPU, TETRA Pellethane TPU, and
hydrogel-coated ureteral stent (Cook ) were suspended in a batch-flow model with an artificial urine solution(AUS). Every 48 hours for 90 days, 40% of the solution was replaced with fresh AUS. All samples were stored in a 37C incubator. Subsequently, the samples were thoroughly dried for 48 hours before weighing. Scanning electron microscopy was used to assess the degree of encrustation. Nu-Attom Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine the precise compositions of the encrustation specifically with regard to calcium, magnesium, and phosphate.

Results: At the conclusion of the 90-day trial, the samples were analyzed, and the average mass changes were as follows: stent 63.78%, uncoated Pellethane TPU 11.50%, HEMA-coated Pellethane TPU 2.90%, and TETRA coated Pellethane TPU 0.60%. Pellethane TPU products, and specifically those coated with HEMA and TETRA, exhibited less average mass increase and a lesser propensity to form encrustation than the traditional urinary tract stent. The mass increases noted on coated Pellethane devices were primarily ionic, whereas that of the stent was not.

Conclusion: Pellethane, particularly with an HEMA-based preventative coating, may serve as a favorable alternative to traditional urinary stent material, providing its improved resistance to encrustation.

※Through numerous experiments with this system, we were able to develop a product. It was also highly evaluated as a good product in clinical settings.

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