The Clinical Challenge: Thrombosis and Catheter Colonization

Catheter thrombosis and colonization can present challenges, including:

• As many as 40 percent of catheter failures are attributed to venous thrombosis and fibrin sheath formation.
• Approximately 17–33 percent of catheter removals are attributed to thrombosis.
• The skin surrounding the catheter insertion site is one of the most common sources of microbes that colonize central venous catheters.
• Central venous catheters colonized by skin organisms develop biofilms and ultimately catheter-related infections.

Combining Innovative Technologies 

Our heparin coating and silver ion antimicrobial sleeve provides:

• The first chronic catheter to combine antimicrobial and antithrombogenic technologies to preserve access .
• Dual protection against platelet adhesion and colonization against a broad spectrum of bacteria on the catheter surface.

HSI-COMBINED HEPARIN COATING AND SILVER ION ANTIMICROBIAL SLEEVE TECHNOLOGIES IN PRACTICE

1. Decreases likelihood of platelet adhesion In vivo testing demonstrated an 82 percent reduction in thrombus accumulation, compared to noncoated catheters. In vitro testing showed a 60 percent reduction in platelet adhesion on the surface when compared with noncoated catheters.

2. Inhibits fibrin sheath propagation In vivo data demonstrated that noneluting heparin coating was shown to inhibit fibrin sheath propagation compared with noncoated catheters.

3. Reduces colonization In vitro testing demonstrated that broad-spectrum colonization on the catheter surface was significantly less when compared with noncoated catheters.

Heparin coating and a silver ion sleeve are incorporated into the dialysis catheter — which, internal testing shows, reduces the likelihood of platelet adhesion and colonization against a broad spectrum of bacteria for at least 15 days, if not longer depending on the organism.

The Palindrome™ Precision HSI-Heparin Coated and Silver Ion antimicrobial dialysis catheter is intended for acute and chronic hemodialysis, apheresis, and infusion. It may be inserted either percutaneously or by cutdown.

The device is contraindicated in thrombosed vessels or for subclavian puncture when ventilator is in use. This product should not be used in patients with documented hypersensitivity to silver, heparin or porcine based products. Heparin coated catheters should not be used in patients with severe thrombocytopenia, uncontrollable active bleeding disorders, or with skin necrosis from previous heparin use. In case of infection, the silver in the catheter does not replace the need for using systemic anti-infective agents. Clinicians and healthcare professionals should be aware that there are very limited data on prolonged and repeated use of silver containing products and particularly in children and neonates.