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Journal of Long-Term Effects of Medical Implants

ISSN for PRINT: 1050-6934

Institutional price:	$1021.00
Issues per year:	6

Best Paper Award Selection - Editorial Board Site

2000, Volume10

84 pages

Issue price - $175.00

Biomechanical Performance of Silicone and Latex External Condom Catheters

Robin Williams, M.D.
Department of Plastic Surgery, Box 800376, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908

Richard F. Edlich
Biomedical Engineering and Emergency Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Trauma Specialists LLP, Legacy Verify Level I Shock Trauma Center for Pediatrics and Adults, Legacy Emanuel Hospital, Portland, OR, USA

Trimble Bailey, B.S.
Department of Plastic Surgery, Box 800376, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908

Sheryl A. Pine, B.S.N.
Department of Plastic Surgery, Box 800376, University of Virginia Health Systems, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908-0376

George T. Rodeheaver, PhD
Distinguished Research Professor of Plastic Surgery. Plastic Surgery Research Program, University of Virginia Health System, P.O. Box 801351 Charlottesville, VA 22908-1351, USA

William D. Steers, M.D.
J. Y. Gillenwater Professor of Urology; Chairman, Department of Urology. University of Virginia Health System P.O. Box 800422 Charlottesville VA 22908

ABSTRACT

Standard in vivo biomechanical performance tests and a pilot clinical study of latex external condom catheters (ECCs) and silicone ECCs demonstrated the superior performance of the silicone ECC over that of the latex ECC. The silicone ECC has a self-adhesive that binds more securely to human skin than the self-adhesive of latex ECC. In addition, the moisture vapor transmission through silicone is significantly greater than through latex. The aggressive self-adhesive of the silicone ECC significantly reduced ECC catheter pop-off compared to that of latex ECC. Silicone ECC removal can be facilitated by the application of a warm, wet cloth to the exterior surface of the silicone ECC, which significantly reduces its self-adhesive force. Constant, gentle traction is then applied to the silicone catheter outlet end to achieve atraumatic silicone ECC removal. On the basis of the results of these standardized tests and pilot study, the silicone ECC is recommended for incontinent men without obstructive uropathy.