Navigating the Risks of Catheter-Related Infections

Navigating the Risks of Catheter-Related Infections

In the world of healthcare, vascular access catheters are essential tools that save lives, manage conditions, and improve patient outcomes daily. However, the increased use of these devices also brings the risk of device-related infections, a serious complication that can endanger patients, extend hospital stays, and increase healthcare costs. Infection prevention has become a crucial focus for healthcare providers and medical device manufacturers alike, with an urgent need for innovations that reduce these risks while ensuring device efficacy.

At Access Vascular Inc. (AVI), we understand these challenges and have developed advanced technology and initiatives to address catheter complications head-on. Our commitment to better patient outcomes is embodied in innovations such as our novel catheter materials and the groundbreaking AVI Pledge—a risk-share agreement designed to support healthcare providers in the fight against infection-related complications. Here, we’ll explore the challenges in infection prevention and how AVI’s solutions, including the AVI Pledge, are helping to arm clinicians with additional tools to support their battle.

The Challenge of Device-Related Infections

Despite significant advancements in healthcare, device-related infections remain a common complication. Whether due to prolonged catheterization, repeated handling, or the accumulation of bacteria, the potential for infections increases each time a medical device enters the body. Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) are a well-known example, often leading to severe patient outcomes and driving up healthcare costs. As healthcare providers work to reduce these risks, there is an urgent need for more effective solutions that can help prevent infections without adding complexity to clinical workflows.

A major challenge in tackling device-related infections is the nature of device materials themselves. Traditional catheter materials can promote bacterial adhesion, forming biofilms that contribute to infections over time. Biofilm formation is a process where bacteria stick to a surface, (a catheter in this case), and form a slimy, protective layer. This layer makes it harder for the body's immune system and antibiotics to reach and kill the bacteria. The bacteria within the biofilm can grow and multiply, causing an infection [1]. Even with diligent care and adherence to care and maintenance protocols, the design and material properties of some medical devices make them more prone to bacterial colonization, leaving clinicians with limited options to prevent these risks. As a result, once biofilm formation occurs, it significantly complicates treatment, often necessitating catheter removal and long-term antibiotic therapy to fully resolve the infection.[1]

AVI’s Technology: A Solution Focused on Reducing Biofilm Adherence

At AVI, our approach begins with innovation at the material level. Our proprietary catheter materials are designed to address the root causes of one of the primary infection risks. Unlike traditional options, AVI catheters are made of a consistently hydrophilic material that makes it harder for bacteria to adhere, reducing the likelihood of biofilm formation as demonstrated in in vitro tests. AVI has demonstrated a 99.99% reduction in bacterial adhesion versus both polyurethane and CHG polyurethane and a 99.98% reduction versus fluoro polyurethane [2,3]

AVI's technology doesn’t rely on the temporary effects of antimicrobial coatings or eluting technologies, which can diminish over time. Instead, our hydrophilic and anti-thrombogenic materials provide consistent protection as it’s a consistent material – no additives, adhesives or eluting elements for the results. By focusing on material science – at the base material level - and working to understand infection risk at a molecular level, AVI is setting new standards in the fight against device-related complications.

The AVI Pledge Agreement: A Commitment to Better Outcomes

While AVI’s catheter materials offer an innovative solution, we know healthcare providers face additional challenges. That’s why we developed the AVI Pledge—a risk-share agreement that goes beyond product support to demonstrate our commitment to patient safety and provider confidence.

The AVI Pledge is our promise to share in the responsibility of any infection-related outcomes with AVI devices. By offering this risk-share agreement, AVI is effectively partnering with healthcare providers to stand behind our results. The AVI Pledge empowers providers to take proactive measures without carrying the entire risk, thereby enhancing trust in our technology and allowing providers to focus on delivering the highest quality care.

Moving Toward a Healthier Future

Reducing the risk of medical device-related infections requires both innovative technology and a commitment to supporting healthcare providers. AVI’s advanced catheter materials and the AVI Pledge are together helping pave the way for a more effective approach to vascular access. By addressing the challenges of bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation at the material level, AVI’s technology offers a reliable solution that improves the patient experience and reduces the burden on clinicians.

AVI is dedicated to transforming vascular health by developing products and partnerships that genuinely benefit patients and providers. With the AVI Pledge, we are not just offering a product; we are standing by our commitment to transforming vascular access, one catheter at a time.

For healthcare providers looking to minimize catheter complications without sacrificing clinical efficiency, AVI provides both the technology and the partnership needed to navigate these complex challenges confidently. Together, we can work towards a future where device-related complications are no longer a barrier to patient safety and recovery.

[1] Yousif, A., Jamal, M.A., Raad, I. (2015). Biofilm-Based Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections. In: Donelli, G. (eds) Biofilm-based Healthcare-associated Infections. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 830. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-11038-7_10

[2] LeRoy, K. J., & Donahue, D. T. (2023). Presented at AVA 2023 via e-poster.

[3] Korycka, E. (2024). Presented on podium at INS 2024.