A Barrier System to Reduce the Rates of Line-related Infections

University of Kansas
posted on 08/21/2009

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Description: Current barriers to catheter infections include antiseptics and antibiotics which have been applied to the entry site or embedded within the catheter itself. Though reductions in catheter-related infections have occurred with these interventions, these infections remain a problem and are associated with a concerning degree of morbidity and mortality and excess healthcare costs. KU Medical Center researchers have developed an impermeable mechanical barrier against bacteria that tend to infect catheters by contaminating the catheter at the site of skin entry and subsequently traveling down the external surface of the catheter and into the bloodstream. The ivestigators have used a polymer material to create an occlusive barrier which is resistant to penetration by bacteria. With such a mechanical barrier, one can eliminate issues of organism resistance that are associated with the currently available antimicrobials and antiseptics. Application: Catheters and Infectious Diseases. Patent: Pending Confidential Disclosure Agreement (CDA): KU is willing to enter into a CDA for the purpose of negotiating a License Agreement. If you are interested in learning details of this invention, please contact: Aswini K. Betha, Ph.D. (abetha@ku.edu Ph: 913-588-5713)