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Microplastics release from coronary catheters: Insights from catheter analysis
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This study examined whether cardiac catheters used in heart procedures release microplastic particles, and found that all 21 catheter samples tested shed microplastics of varying sizes and types. The findings raise important questions about patient safety, since these tiny plastic fragments could enter the bloodstream during routine cardiovascular procedures.
Microplastics (MP) pose a significant environmental and health risk due to their pervasive presence and potential adverse effects. This study investigates the release of MP from cardiac invasive catheters, which are essential medical devices used in cardiovascular procedures. Twenty-one catheter samples from four diagnostic catheter and three guider catheter brands were analysed using a comprehensive experimental approach. MP were detected in all samples, with varying counts across brands and types. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in MP counts among catheter brands, while morphological and chemical characterization provided insights into types, sizes and compositions of leached MP. Our detailed discussion highlights patient safety and health implications, emphasizing the need for further research to address MP leaching in catheter materials and to promote design improvements for sustainable healthcare practices.
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Microplastics in cardiopulmonary bypass: quantification and characterization of particles across systems
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Researchers measured microplastic contamination generated by cardiopulmonary bypass machines used during heart surgery and found significant levels of plastic particles across the systems tested. The study characterized the types and quantities of microplastics produced during machine operation. The findings raise questions about patient exposure to microplastics during cardiac procedures and highlight the need for further research into whether these particles have clinical significance.
Percutaneous coronary intervention leads to microplastics entering the blood: Interventional devices are a major source
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Researchers measured microplastic levels in the blood of 23 patients before and after heart stent procedures (percutaneous coronary intervention) and found that microplastic concentrations jumped nearly 19-fold after the procedure. The types of plastics found in the blood matched those detected on the medical devices used during the procedure, confirming that the devices themselves were the source. This study reveals that common medical procedures using plastic equipment may be an overlooked route for microplastics to enter the human bloodstream.
Detection of Various Microplastics in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
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In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers found microplastics inside the human heart and surrounding tissues of 15 cardiac surgery patients, identifying nine different plastic types with particles up to 469 micrometers across. Some plastics were found deep within heart tissue in ways that could not be explained by surgical contamination, providing direct evidence that microplastics can reach even fully enclosed internal organs.
Reducing microplastic exposure before clinical cardiovascular intervention is required: a call for a policy-based approach.
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This paper reviews existing research on tiny plastic particles found in hospital settings, such as from IV fluids, dialysis equipment, and medical devices during heart-related procedures. It proposes precautionary steps hospitals could consider to reduce this exposure, while noting these measures are not yet proven to improve patient health outcomes.
Microplastics in cardiopulmonary bypass: quantification and characterisation of particles across systems
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Researchers quantified microplastics generated during conventional and minimally invasive cardiopulmonary bypass circuits in vitro, finding that both systems shed detectable MPs into circulating fluid, with particle characteristics varying between circuit designs.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.