How does Polyvinyl Chloride tubing usually deteriorate in the roller pump?

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) tubing is widely used in roller pump circuits due to its flexibility and compatibility with various fluids. However, when exposed to the mechanical stress imposed by roller pumps, PVC tubing is prone to specific types of deterioration.

The correct answer indicates that PVC tubing tends to crack or break starting from the outer edge and extending inward. This phenomenon is primarily due to the repeated compressive and tensile forces applied by the rollers of the pump against the tubing wall. Over time, these mechanical stresses can create micro-fractures at the surface. Environmental factors, such as temperature and the chemical composition of the fluid being pumped, can exacerbate this deterioration process.

Deterioration from the outer surface allows cracks to propagate inward, ultimately compromising the structural integrity of the entire tubing. This inward failure can lead to an increased risk of leaks, which can be hazardous in perfusion settings where maintaining sterility and proper flow rates is crucial.

While other options discuss crumbling or cracking from different areas, they do not align with the observed failure pattern of PVC tubing in roller pumps. Recognizing the specific failure mechanism of PVC in this context is important for clinicians and perfusionists to ensure that the tubing is monitored and replaced as necessary to maintain safe