|
Reliable vascular access is one of the most essential features of modern medical care. Central venous catheters (CVCs) are being increasingly used to provide long-term venous access as around 5 million CVCs are purchased each year in the US. These devices are indispensable, but their use is far from problem free.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US estimates that the average rate of CVC-associated bloodstream infections (BSIs) is 250,000 per year at an estimated cost of $25,000 per episode. The annual cost of caring for patients with CVC-associated BSIs ranges from $296 million to $2.3 billion in the US alone.
The Problem
One of the principle ways that organisms can get into the bloodstream is from the patient’s skin during the insertion procedure, or for a period thereafter. One of the risk factors that can increase the number of germs that are introduced, subsequently leading to biofilm formation and the development of infection, is if the catheter is not secured properly, and is permitted to move back and forth as the patient moves. Existing dressings for use with haemodialysis catheters cover only the exit site of the catheter, not the most important part—the terminal section with the hub attachment.
The Solution
The Butterfly Dressing is a sterile waterproof dressing uniquely designed to secure either single or dual lumen catheters against the patient’s body. It will confer the following benefits:
-
the catheter line can be held more securely in place, leading to reduced risk of infection
-
support material may be impregnated with an anti-bacterial agent covering the exit site aswell
-
dressing is much more comfortable for the patient to wear and
-
opens easily enabling the line to be removed or adjusted & subsequently secured again
We estimate the current market size, based on the number of patients attending hospital for dialysis in the UK, at approx. 1.5 million dressings per year.
Commercialisation and Patents
We are seeking to develop a collaborative relationship with a medical dressings company to develop this innovation. For more information please contact Dr Anne Blackwood on Tel: +44(0)1480 364518 or E-mail:
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
.
This technology is protected by UK Patent Application No. 0606131.1, filing date 28 March 2006.
Request details...
|
