Importance

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Abstract

An anti-infective coating for a catheter or other medical device. The coating is insoluble in a biological medium and is bound to the surfaces of the catheter. The coating is a biocompatible, non-hydrogel polymer. One embodiment is a coating on the catheter which is complexed with an iodine solution to provide a programmed rapid release of iodine. A second embodiment is a solution of the biocompatible hydrogel polymer in which the iodine is dissolved and the solution containing iodine is coated in the catheter to provide a matrix having programmed sustained release of iodine. A coating with complexed iodine may be deposited over a coating with matrixed iodine to provide an anti-infective coating on a catheter with a rapid release and a sustained release of iodine over a period of weeks. A non-iodized polymer coating may be deposited on the complexed coating, the matrixed coating or the combined coating to provide protection to the sub coating and to further control the rate of release of iodine. The iodine containing coating provides a concentration of iodine that has sufficient activity and is available for a period of time which is long enough to allow the human immunodeficiency virus, bacteria, fungi and other germs to be inactivated. The coated device is stable and has long shelf life.

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First Claim