Sporadic reports have appeared in the recent literature regarding the negative effect of certain chemotherapeutic agents on catheters made of “polyurethanes”.
Infusion of chemotherapeutic agents via pressure infusion is now an accepted clinical modality worldwide. For example, Peripherally Inserted Venous Catheters (PICCs) allow the constant infusion of high- dose chemotherapy. Most PICCs are made of polyurethane elastomers because of their attractive combination of mechanical and biocompatible properties.
This white paper critically evaluates these claims, and aims to inform the reader which “polyurethanes” are acceptable for catheter use and which “polyurethanes” should not be used.
Read more about Comparative Chemical Resistance of Polyurethanes.