Proposal

Intravascular catheters (IVC) are an invaluable tool in the treatment of patients who require venous access for blood sampling, administration of vasoactive drugs, parenteral nutrition, or hemodynamic monitoring. However, despite their utility, their use is not without potential complications, both mechanical and infectious, of which catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is the most important, both in terms of frequency and morbidity and mortality. Bracho et al. (2018)

Nosocomial infections are a target for healthcare systems and related organizations, professionals, and patients. 5 – 10% of patients admitted to an emergency hospital in a developed country will acquire one or more infections solely by being admitted, and the risk in a developing country is 20 times higher. These infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, prolong hospital stays, and are costly both for the patient and the state. Many are preventable, and efforts should begin with an understanding of the main factors that favor them and how to intervene to reduce the risk of their occurrence. Prevention is less costly than treating an infected patient. Bracho et al. (2018)

The DIPITS team is entirely focused on preventing HAI (Hospital-Acquired Infections), according to the Legal Medicine Journal of Costa Rica, it is estimated that approximately 5,000,000 CVCs are placed annually in the United States alone. These have an incidence rate of 5 to 19% for acquiring a bloodstream infection or mechanical incidence during placement. Likewise, infections associated with the use of CVCs are the most frequent nosocomial bloodstream infections, with an incidence rate of 2.8%. García et al. (2020)

Nosocomial infections, especially those associated with the use of central venous catheters, represent a significant health problem. These infections can prolong a patient’s stay in intensive care units and cause serious complications or even death. Technological advances are implemented worldwide to facilitate people’s lives, and in the field of healthcare, these advances are no exception. However, the advancement in invasive devices such as central venous catheters is progressing slowly. Therefore, our idea is born, as explained above, to revolutionize this device. We plan to have an interdisciplinary development with disciplines such as micro and nanotechnology, mechatronics, among others. It will undergo testing stages in physical patients and mannequins to ensure the project’s effectiveness and develop it responsibly.

The creation of a device to prevent central venous catheter (CVC) infections is an important need in healthcare. Infection prevention devices can reduce the incidence of CVC-associated infections and improve users’ quality of life. This is where our project comes in and the motivation behind all this work. The creation of infection prevention devices can significantly improve the hospital care a user receives and help reduce costs associated with CVC-associated infections.

The project idea consists of a device with two parts focused on the care of a central venous catheter. In the catheter lumens section, a small panel is planned to control and disinfect the lumens, reducing the risk of infection, as it will have a photodisinfection chamber using ultraviolet light.

The other part is that this monitor will be attached to a bracelet to secure the catheter lumens, preventing them from being pulled, soiled, or moved, which would require repositioning. Similarly, this bracelet will be connected from the lumens to the catheter insertion point, where it will have a chamber with a bacteria elimination system through a photo-disinfectant using UV light, to reduce area contamination. This will avoid frequent cleaning and the use of plastic fasteners, among other materials, making it last longer. Its operation will be through electrical energy, implementing small photocells and a charging bank to automatically power it using energy. Likewise, the panel protecting the lumens will have this disinfection system to have a complete disinfection system and thus prevent HAIs more effectively. It is worth mentioning that the external coverage of the catheter will be waterproof to allow the user to shower with greater freedom and without suffering consequences.

• Bracho, R., Atacho, Y., Rea, M., Bracho, R., & Bracho, K. (2018). Infección nosocomial asociado al uso de catéter intravascular. Servicios de medicina interna, servicio autónomo hospital central de maracay. Venezuela. Enero – julio 2011. Dialnet. https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/articulo?codigo=8551249

• García Carranza, Alejandra, Caro Pizarro, Valeria, Quirós Cárdenas, Guiliana, Monge Badilla, María José, & Arroyo Quirós, Alejandra. (2020). Catéter venoso central y sus complicaciones. Medicina Legal de Costa Rica, 37(1), 74-86. Retrieved April 13, 2024, from http://www.scielo.sa.cr/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1409-00152020000100074&lng=en&tlng=es.