Histologic evaluation of a natural permanent percutaneous structure and clinical percutaneous devices.

The longevity of percutaneous devices (PD) is often hampered by exit-site infection. The babyrussa tusk, the only permanent natural percutaneous structure, was histologically studied and the implant-tissue interface of 11 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) catheters that had been implanted in humans was evaluated histologically. Attachment of the epidermis to the tusk surface was observed. All the CAPD catheters showed varying degrees of epidermal downgrowth. These results demonstrate that the epidermis is capable of adhering closely to a percutaneous structure. Regarding the CAPD catheters, no steady state at the epidermis-implant interface was achieved, so the risk of infection still remains.