Intravascular device-related infections polymers

This chapter will be focused on antimicrobial PUs for intravascular applications. First, a classification of the types of PU intravascular devices and their impact in the medical held will be inhoduced. Then, a survey of infections associated with intravascular devices in terms of incidence, etiology, and pathogenesis will be presented. Next, management of device-related infections and the role of modified PUs in preventing intravascular device-related infections will be discussed. Finally, the future direction of novel antimicrobial polymers as biomaterials for the development of devices preventing biofilm-based infections will be described. 

Dmg-releasing PUs can be considered the first milestone in the prevention of intravascular device-related infections. Already, their clinical application has contributed to decreasing infection risk, mortality rate, and patient morbidity. However, the use of these drag-releasing polymers has elicited concerns in terms of durability and possible local emergence of resistant microorganisms. 

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