A MULTIPURPOSE ANTI-MICROBIAL SILASTIC SHEATH SYSTEM FOR THE PREVENTION OF DEVICE-RELATED INFECTIONS

摘要

The present invention relates generally to indwelling medical devices. In particular, there is provided a device constructed from permeable or impermeable material having a pharmacologically active agent (7) or ingredient layer (3, 10) surrounding the device, and a sheath (2, 11) which is permeable to the pharmacologically active agent or ingredient. This construction provides a device that allows the pharmacologically active agent or ingredient located between the catheter tube (1) and the sheath (2) to slowly diffuse through the sheath and/or inner tube (4), thus inhibiting microbial infection on the outer surface and lumen of the catheter (5, 13).