Camstent has received approval for claims that its coated catheters contain unique bacteria-phobic properties.
The catheters have been developed with an innovative technology which helps to limit attachment of bacteria to its surface, a known source of Catheter Acquired Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI).
And now Camstent has been awarded approval from its notified body for the claim to be made under the CE mark in relation to its unique bacteria-phobic properties.
This new claim adds to the existing approved claim for the catheter’s silky-smooth surface, which reduces tissue trauma on insertion and withdrawal.
The polymers originally reported to have bacteria-phobic properties and that are used in the Camstent coated catheters were discovered in 2012. They have since been developed into a silky-smooth and bacteria-phobic coating for silicone or silicone-based medical devices.
Unlike other coatings that are designed to kill bacteria adhering to the surfaces; the passive non-stick property of Camstent’s coating aims to deter bacteria from attaching to the catheter surfaces at all.
This novel approach has been demonstrated to reduce formation of biofilm which, in turn, can lead to CAUTI. It has the added advantage of having no potential of creating antibiotic-resistant organisms.
“The approval of the ‘bacteria-phobic’ claim is a significant landmark in the commercialisation of Camstent’s coated catheter product, as our device can now claim two unique benefits which are very attractive to healthcare providers,” said Dave Hampton, founder and chief technology officer of Camstent.
“The bacteria-phobic feature has the potential to reduce the cost of care that can result from catheter-related complications such as infection and longer hospital stays.
”The silky-smooth surface is equally important since patient comfort cannot be understated, as anyone who has had a catheter administered will testify.
“To add to this there is a potential long-term public health benefit which may come about as a result of fewer of antibiotics being prescribed to patients and the resulting danger of the creation of superbugs,” added Dave.