[Reuse of angiography catheters. II. Effect of multiple sterilizations on the properties of the catheter material--physicochemical studies].

The reuse of sterile medical devices designated for single use is a controversial practice, known to be performed in many countries. As far as catheters for angiography are concerned, various methods for cleaning and sterilisation are in use. However, interactions of detergents and ethylene oxide used in reprocessing with polyethylene materials of the catheters have not been investigated systematically. This paper presents a physico-chemical characterisation of common angiographic catheters. The interaction of polyethylene and ethylene oxide is examined.