A novel coating being used on a new peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) from r4 Vascular mimics the cell layer found on natural tissue surfaces.
r4 Vascular designed the catheter to have a biomimetic surface that mimics the natural glycocalyx layer on endothelial tissues. Laboratory tests prove that mimicking the glycocalyx layer can dramatically reduce thrombus formation on the catheter surfaces.
r4 Vascular recently gained FDA clearance to launch their first catheter based on this Biomimetic technology. It will be available beginning June 30, 2009 as the Zeus Coated CT PICC.
According to Gail Sansivero, MS, ANP, Vascular and Interventional Radiology Nurse Practitioner, Albany Medical Center, "Thrombus can be a real problem for patients with PICCs. Biologically, a patient responds to a catheter insertion within 24 hours by developing bio-film. Thrombus can later amass on the catheter surface, within the catheter and/or become adherent to the vein. The thrombus can cause catheter occlusion, serve as a nidus for infection, and even dislodge into the bloodstream, putting patients at risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE)."