It has been estimated that on any given day in EU, about 80.000 patients have at least one Hospital Acquired Infection (HAI), that is, 1 in 18 patients in a European hospital has a HAI. The studies support the view that HAIs are the most common complication of hospitalization. In USA alone 100.000 people die of HAI-related complications each year. The major cause of infections is catheters accounting for approximately 40%. Up to 50% of patients receiving long‐term care with urinary catheters will experience catheter encrustation and blockage.
The innovation, the Bacticon Catheter, presented in this project is a catheter impregnation technology that can be applied on urinary catheters already marketed by leading med-techs, promising a strong and immediate impact. The catheter is a new biosensor/biomarker principle based on biomarkers, bio-nanoparticles and nano-channels in a new hybrid material, allowing for an immediate detection. The system is an add-on to existing catheters and is therefore cost efficient and face a faster route through approval procedures, providing much more precise and real-time monitoring.
The Bacticon Catheter enables the caregiver of a critical ill person to detect an infection immediately and start treatment. A person with a permanent catheter is able to monitor his/hers own infection level and seek medical treatment before the symptoms develop. Implementation of the concept does not require specific educated personnel since the kit, consisting of standard components, is very simple to handle and easy to integrate in a home environment.
The technological feasibility study was conducted for an integrated prototype and independent components of the prototype with the aim to prepare for clinical studies.
Feasibility studies of technology, users and economy have verified a huge potential to detect and prevent infections, save lives and reduce the economic burden on a global scale.
