Drug-Coated Central Venous Catheters – A Comprehensive Review of Strategies in the Development to Overcome Biofilm Formation and Related Infections

Abstract

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are implantable medical instruments regularly used in intense care units for the easy introduction of medical drugs and medicaments, to give fluids intravenously, nutriments, transfusion of blood and also to withdraw blood samples. Bloodstream infections associated with the usage of catheters are the most recurrent, harmful as well as expensive impediment. This is the omnipresent reason for the introduction of bacteria and related infections. Among the various types of medical devices, the rate of infection, morbidity and mortality are higher with the usage of CVCs than any other types of medical instruments. Biofilm developed due to contamination by microorganisms. The biofilm is a bunch of microorganisms accumulated on the surface of CVCs. These biofilms contribute to the proliferation of microbes and increase antimicrobial resistance against antibiotics, affect the host’s immunity and get spread to the various body parts. Numerous approaches have been evolved to overcome the above mentioned issues associated with the usage of CVCs. In the said review, the authors have summarized the usage of CVCs, biofilm formation, development of infection, strategies and innovations in the modification of CVCs aiming to avoid the CRBSI and subsequent resistance to antimicrobial drugs.