[Recycling of angiography catheters. III. Effect of multiple sterilizations on the characteristics of catheter material. Experimental studies on mechanical behavior].

Reprocessing of angiographic catheters is becoming common practice. Physico-chemical and mechanical integrity of polyethylene, however, is conditional for any method of reprocessing in use. In this paper data are presented concerning mechanical stability of polyethylene catheters when repeatedly exposed to ethylene oxide, leading to the conclusion that reuse of catheters seems to be possible without loss of mechanical safety.