Challenge

Patients need central venous catheters when they require delivery of medication for long periods of time. They have to live with the catheter lines showing outside their chest, therefore they are exposed to significant risk for infection. The bloodstream infection begins with the formation of a biofilm within the catheter surface with the two most common bacteria types that are Staphylococcus aureus an Staphylococcus epidermidis commonly found on the skin and that have the potential to trigger a mortal sepsis in the patient. These situations cause an important healthcare burden in cost, hospital stay and patient life quality. The innovative startup company Insight Alert had the problem of creating a completely hermetic protective device for the catheter lines without sacrificing patient comfort and ease of usability by the medical staff.

Solution

From concept to prototyping, Bioana worked in the solution and developed a flexible plastic container attached to an innovative closure mechanism that provides a completely hermetic seal, has a low profile design for patient comfort and is easy to use by the medical staff. Additionally and parallel to this, Insight Alert worked in a biological indicator that indicates the presence of bacteria if they manage to penetrate through the seal.

Results

The prototype integrated all user needs and client requirements in a simple device with a low-cost manufacturing process.

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