STRATEGIES AND PERSPECTIVES FOR BIOMEDICAL CATHETERS DESIGNED TO PREVENT DEVICE RELATED INFECTIONS

The medical devices that have been associated with a higher rate of infections are the central venous catheters. In order to minimize this risks, the novel biomaterials must be antiadhesive to patogens agents, colonisation resistant and refractory to biofilm formation. The advanced solutions were obtained by applying a coating of biocompatible polymers or by using the biopolymers as a matrix for the sustained delivery of antiseptics, silver compounds, or antimicrobian drugs. This paper reviews the arsenal of modified devices available and the promising perspectives.