In vitro biocompatibility of a polyurethane catheter after deposition of fluorinated film.

The in vitro biocompatibility of an experimental surface-treated polyurethane was compared with an untreated polyurethane already used for intravascular catheters. The experimental surface was coated with a fluorinated film using a glow discharge treatment. Neither of the catheters was cytotoxic for L929 murine fibroblasts, caused platelet adhesion or release reaction, or changed the mean platelet volume. The surface-treated polyurethane, however, caused a higher adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus than did the untreated one. Therefore, using in vitro testing, it has been ascertained that the examined material, though not being cytotoxic and not modifying platelet behaviour, could favour bacterial adherence.