Antimicrobial Compositions and Methods for Locking Catheters

Abstract

Antimicrobial compositions for use in locking catheters and other devices are provided. In some embodiments, the composition includes at least one alcohol, at least one biocidal agent which is not an alcohol, and one or more poloxamers; in other embodiments, the composition comprises at least one poloxamer and at least one alcohol. The composition can provide long-lasting antimicrobial activity. Methods of using the composition are also provided.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims priority to provisional application No. 60 / 777,382 filed on Feb. 28, 2006.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to antimicrobial compositions, which compositions may be useful for catheter locking solutions or catheter coatings to reduce or prevent infection.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Catheters, particularly intravenous (IV) catheters, are used for infusing fluid (such as saline solution, various medicaments and parenteral nutrition) into a patient, withdrawing blood from a patient and monitoring various parameters of the patient's vascular system. Generally, catheters include a lumen or reservoir which contains fluid or medication to be injected or dispensed into a patient's body and an injection port or device for access with a needle.[0004]Complications associated with catheters include those related to their insertion, such as pneumo / hemothorax, arterial puncture, and ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides antimicrobial compositions and catheter coatings that can effectively kill microbes without using alcohol. The compositions contain a poloxamer, an alcohol, and a biocidal agent that is not an alcohol. The methods for coating the interior of a catheter with these compositions involve introducing them into the catheter or coating at least a portion of the interior with them. The technical effects of this invention include improved disinfection of catheters and reduced risk of infection.

Problems solved by technology

Complications associated with catheters include those related to their insertion, such as pneumo / hemothorax, arterial puncture, and nerve injury, and secondary problems occurring as a consequence of their use, such as thrombosis and infection.

Catheter sepsis remains one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in a patient receiving home parenteral nutrition.

Implanted catheters can often become plugged or fouled over time.

This is a problem with intravascular catheters, where clotting and thrombus formation within the catheter lumen can be problematic.

A total of 250,000 cases of CVC-associated bloodstream infections (BSIs) have been estimated to occur annually, and the cost of CVC-associated BSI is substantial in terms of morbidity and in terms of financial resources expended.

The need to prepare a heparin solution at the end of every catheter treatment session is time-consuming and presents an opportunity for caregiver error.

The inconvenience and expense of performing heparin locks can be burdensome over time.

Moreover, the need to combine a separate anti-microbial agent in the heparin lock solution further complicates the procedure and adds expense, and the addition of an anti-microbial agent to the heparin lock will generally be effective only within the lumen and at the openings from the lumen.

In prior art compositions which are alcohol based, the alcohol evaporates very quickly or becomes diluted, and does not provide long-lasting antimicrobial activity.

This results in the need for repeated flushing of the catheter and renewal of the antimicrobial composition when the time between uses of the catheter is long.