Unique Antimicrobial Vascular Catheter to Prevent Catheter-Related Blood Stream Infections (CRBSI)

Abstract The goal of this Phase I effort is determine the feasibility of developing a unique antimicrobial catheter to reduce the instances of one of the most prevalent healthcare associated infection, Catheter-Related Blood Stream Infection (CRBSI). This research and development effort will be to develop an intravascular catheter with inherent long lasting antiseptic properties to protect the patient and prevent infection. The proposed device is a new approach to antimicrobial catheters. It will use common vascular catheter designs and materials, with the addition of an antimicrobial polymer additive to the elastomer to render the catheter antimicrobial. The unique additive replaces a portion of the silica reinforcing filler in the elastomer and is designed to provide the antibacterial agent to produce a permanent antimicrobial catheter surface. This innovation is based on the development of an antimicrobial polymer that has self- sterilizing properties that results in greater than six log kill of microorganisms inoculated onto the surface. The additive filled elastomer used for the catheter shaft has been tested against 10 common heath-care associated pathogens and has demonstrated a greater than six log kill (99.9999%) in 2 hrs at body temperature. The antimicrobial elastomer has also been demonstrated to be biocompatible passing a battery of tests. In this Phase I research we will expand the biocompatibility testing to evaluate the antimicrobial elastomer for suitability as an intravascular catheter. Both the connecting hub and the catheter tubing will have antimicrobial properties that will stop the primary access points for pathogens to the bloodstream. The catheter can be manufactured inexpensively with standard medical tubing manufacturing processes and materials, but will have the value-added property of antimicrobial activity. A durable and effective antimicrobial vascular catheter that can prevent or reduce CRBSI will save millions of dollars in healthcare cost and thousands of lives annually.