Bacterial biofilm formation on urologic devices and heparin coating as preventive strategy

In the process of endourological development a variety of foreign bodies have been invented besides urinary catheters, on which biofilm can be formed. Bacteria in the biofilm are less susceptible to antibiotics. An additional problem of medical biomaterials in the urinary tract environment is the development of encrustation and consecutive obstruction. The most promising prevention strategy for bacterial biofilms is the production of materials with anti-adhesive surfaces such as heparin. Although heparin-coated ureteral stents are expensive, they justify their cost. Our studies show that such devices are protected against incrustation and biofilm formation for a longer period of time: 6-12 months, both in vitro and in vivo. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. and the International Society of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.