Datasets for “Comparing an integrated amphiphilic surfactant to traditional hydrophilic coatings for the reduction of catheter-associated urethral microtrauma”

Open access datasets to support the manuscript:
“Comparing an integrated amphiphilic surfactant to traditional hydrophilic coatings for the reduction of catheter-associated urethral microtrauma”

Abstract:
Hydrophilic-coated intermittent catheters have improved the experience of intermittent urinary catheterization for patients compared to conventional gel lubricated uncoated catheters. However, the incorporation of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) within hydrophilic coatings can lead to significant issues with coating dry-out. Consequently, increased force on catheter withdrawal may cause complications including urethral microtrauma and pain. Standard methods of evaluating catheter lubricity lack physiological relevance and an understanding of surface interaction with the urethra. The tribological performance and urethral interaction of commercially available hydrophilic PVP-coated catheters and a coating-free integrated amphiphilic surfactant (IAS) catheter were evaluated using a biomimetic urethral model designed from a modified coefficient of friction (CoF) assay. T24 human urothelial cells were cultured on customized silicone sheets as an alternate countersurface for CoF testing. Hydrophilic PVP-coated and coating-free IAS catheters were hydrated and the CoF obtained immediately following hydration, or after 2 minutes, mimicking in vivo indwell time for urine drainage. The model was observed for urethral epithelial cell damage post-catheterization. The majority of hydrophilic PVP-coated catheters caused significantly greater removal of cells from the monolayer after 2 minutes indwell time, compared to the IAS catheter. Hydrophilic PVP-coated catheters were shown to cause more cell damage than the coating-free IAS catheter. A biomimetic urethral model provides a more physiologically relevant model for understanding of the factors that govern the frictional interface between a catheter surface and urethral tissue. From these findings, the use of coating-free IAS catheters instead of hydrophilic PVP-coated catheters may help reduce urethral microtrauma experienced during catheter withdrawal from the bladder which may lead to a lower risk of infection.

Dataset for public access at request of the publishing journal ACS Omega. Access to the dataset ensures transparency to the readers of the manuscript. The dataset was created and obtained between 1/11/21 and 31/12/2023 as part of two one year funded projects with Convatec Ltd. The dataset may help readers and researchers adapt the novel biomimetic model described within the manuscript for their own research. During the project, many images were obtained of urothelial cells for assessment of micro trauma and damage. Moreover, these images were assessed in a blinded grading survey. Access to the dataset shows images that were unable to be included in the manuscript due to shear volume of the data. The data in the dataset includes Coefficient of friction analysis, calculation of cell monolayer coverage, calculation of the percentage of intermittent catheter surfaces covered with cells after catheterisation in the biomimetic model, results form the blinded grading survey and a copy of the survey. Images in the dataset show cell images included in the blinded grading survey, images of cells before and after catheterisation in the biomimetic model, images of cells adhered to the catheter surface and images of the catheters before and after catheterisation showing visual change in the surface observed. Images of catheter delamination also shown. We hope the data and manuscript will help inform readers, researchers and clinicians of the issues associated with intermittent catheters and lead a new direction in intermittent catheter design. Ultimately, improving the life of patients who use intermittent catheters.