Researchers develop new coating to reduce pain and risk of infection for catheter users

Researchers from the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s University Belfast have developed a new antimicrobial coating which can be applied to urinary catheters and other medical devices to significantly reduce pain and lower the risk of infection for its users. This unique coating has the potential to greatly improve the quality of life for the millions of catheter users worldwide. The coating was created using a unique mix of polymers which ensures it is low friction to reduce the pain and discomfort of catheterisation, as well as containing antimicrobial properties which protects the user from harmful microbes that can cause disease and in some cases, even death. Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast in collaboration with the University of Leeds have published their findings in ACS Applied Bio Materials. UTIs associated with catheter use are one of the most common types of infection that affect people staying in hospital. This risk is particularly high if the catheter is left in place continuously (an indwelling catheter) with approximately 50% of all long-term catheterised patients experiencing recurrent episodes…

Choose your subscription to read more