Your understanding is correct about mechanical strength. Silicone is made stronger by increasing wall thickness, which causes smaller internal diameter or larger outer diameter. Most power-injectable VADs are made of polyurethane, but I think Bard has one made of silicone.
The same thing is not true when discussing chemical strength. Polyurethane can have structural changes when exposed to alcohol while this is not a problem with silicone.
Your understanding is correct about mechanical strength. Silicone is made stronger by increasing wall thickness, which causes smaller internal diameter or larger outer diameter. Most power-injectable VADs are made of polyurethane, but I think Bard has one made of silicone.
The same thing is not true when discussing chemical strength. Polyurethane can have structural changes when exposed to alcohol while this is not a problem with silicone.
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
Yes you are right. Silicone is not mechanically not as stable as polyurethane but Polyurethane is known for more catheter related infections