Importance

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Abstract

A device and composition securely affixes an invasive medical apparatus to an entrance site and controls infections associated with the infiltration of microbes along the external walls of such apparatus. Provided in sterile form, the device takes various shapes and sizes and is configured for use with various sizes and types of invasive medical apparatus. The device can incorporate a hydrocolloid composition which, by virtue of is adhesive properties, holds that device in place at a skin entrance site. Alternatively, fixation is effected by adhesive provided on mating surfaces of the device or by thin-film, adhesive leaves. The device achieves a mechanically occlusive seal, a constant presence of medically active substances such as antiseptics and antibiotics at an apparatus skin entrance site, and a substantially rigid attachment of the apparatus to the area around a penetration site which limits the in-and-out motion and accompanying microbial infiltration common in the use of indwelling invasive medical apparatus. The device is particularly useful with catheters, cannulae, drainage devices, and pacemaker wires.

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First Claim