Catheter-related bloodstream infections are one of the biggest fears for people receiving hemodialysis, as these can cause serious systemic reactions in patients. When catheters are used, the hubs through which blood is drawn and returned, are often the pathways that start bacteremia. Disenfection methods help, but they are not perfect since catheter-based infections continue to happen at alarming rates.
The ClearGuard HD caps from Pursuit Vascular, a company based outside of Minneapolis, Minnesotta, provide an unique solution and they’ve just received European regulatory approval.
The caps, which already have FDA clearance, have a long plastic component that reaches deep into the catheter hubs. The plastic is covered with chlorhexidine, a broad spectrum antimicrobial, which is continuously released into the hub after the caps are screwed on. The antimicrobial effect combines with a novel internal design of the caps, which allow the antimicrobial agent to work throughout the caps and essentially everywhere that a bacteria may hide.
The caps have already been studied in a clinical setting, showing substantial ability to prevent blood infections.
Here’s a video explaining how the ClearGuard HD caps work:
Product page: ClearGuard HD…
Via: Pursuit Vascular…