Microbial colonization of prosthetic devices. I. Microtopographical characteristics of intravenous catheters as detected by scanning electron microscopy.

Ten commercially available unused intravenous catheters were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Different types of irregularities in the external and internal surface could be detected in all catheters examined. Representative examples were demonstrated in 6 SEM-photos. The possible role of such irregularities in favouring bacterial attachment to catheter surfaces was discussed.