SURFACE-PROPERTIES OF HYDROXYAPATITE CERAMIC AS NEW PERCUTANEOUS MATERIAL IN SKIN TISSUE

Hydroxyapatite ceramic (HAC) was studied for utilization as a percutaneous device to prevent exit-site and tunnel infection along peritoneal dialysis catheters. As a result, it was found that HAC had good compatibility with skin tissue compared with silicone rubber and glassy carbon. In the present study, the surface properties of HAC after long-term implantation in skin of dogs was evaluated by scanning electron microscopic observation, solubility and bending tests. At 1 2 weeks after implantation, the surface of HAC was eroded severely by body fluid or cells, and the grain boundaries were clearly relieved. Ingrowth and adhesion of collagen into the etched ditch of HAC were observed. At 1 2 months, the eroded surface had been tightly covered and adhered to by a collagenous layer in spite of ripping off the surrounding fibrous capsule. In solubility tests, HAC dissolved at the rate of 0.23 mg cm-2 HAC surface area per year. On the other hand, the bending strength decreased by about 10% at 4 weeks and scarcely decreased after that time. From these results, it was confirmed that the solubility of HAC produced tight contact and strong adhesion with skin tissue to prevent bacterial infection, and HAC was practical for a permanent percutaneous device.