Catheters, especially indwelling balloon catheters, major cause of bacteremia

Yet another publication highlighting one of the major causes of bacteremia in hospitals in the US.

 

http://nursing.advanceweb.com/Features/Articles/Catheters-A-Connection-to-Infection.aspx

"Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) are the single largest source of bacteremia in hospitalized patients. Urinary tract infections (UTI) currently account for approximately 40% of all HAI's in the U.S., with greater than 80% being attributed to indwelling catheters.3 "

As the article states insurance companies are linking payments to infections putting more pressure on medical services, and restricting payments where fault is identified.

It will be interesting to monitor how this changes or improves practise.

Catheter Innovation

It’s good to see innovation is advancing on all sides including the humble catheter tube.

With the increase in urinary infections and the cost of treating, it’s good to see research is continuing in developing new forms of Catheter design and usage.

While it’s relatively old news I thought I’d share these two areas of research.

http://medcitynews.com/2014/05/catheter-using-visible-light-ward-hospital-acquired-infections/

and

http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/39587/title/Next-Generation--Biofilm-Busting-Catheter/

I suspect there is a long way to go before this becomes common in the hospital environment and the cost is likely to be a challenge if not prohibitive for both designs.

WyCath Meatal Dilators

WyCath Meatal Dilators

The WyCath meatal dilators have a hydrophilic coating to ease insertion, the coating is activated by simply adding tap water to the sleeve of the dilator.

WyCath meatal dilators are 11cm in length and available in 2 styles:

• Standard bullet end
• Tapered tip

Tapered tip- the catheter tapers to approximately 2 charriers smaller than the standard tip or shaft of the catheter enabling an easier insertion into the meatus.