Central venous catheters, such as those used during dialysis, have a nasty tendency of getting fouled up with proteins and bacterial deposits. Not only do the catheters end up having a short lifetime, patients are exposed to the potential for serious infections. At Draper, a research and development firm, a team has developed a way of keeping proteins from settling onto the insides of catheters, thereby avoiding a myriad of complications that can result from dirty catheters.
The method is called water-infused surface protection (WISP) and it results in a layer of pure, blood-free fluid gliding on the inside surface of the catheter. Because no blood actually comes in contact with the catheter, protein buildup is prevented. Additionally, any proteins that do somehow end up sticking to the catheter are quickly pushed away by the stream.
The Draper researchers believe that in addition to obvious benefits, the new catheter technology will lead to easier delivery of antibiotics, anti-coagulants, and thrombolytic drugs directly through a central venous catheter.
Study in journal Artificial Organs: Water Infused Surface Protection as an Active Mechanism for Fibrin Sheath Prevention in Central Venous Catheters…
Via: Draper…