Biomimetic Coating from r4 Vascular
– Uncomplicated thrombus reduction...

r4 Vascular offers the first Biomimetic–coated peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC).

The Biomimetic coating on r4 catheters is a comb–like surfactant polymer with a flexible polymeric backbone that is linked to both hydrophobic and hydrophilic side chains. When applied to the surface of a blood contacting medical device, such as a catheter, this coating prevents certain plasma proteins and platelets from adhering to the surface, slowing the clotting cascade.

The coating resembles the glycocalyx molecule normally present on the surface of endothelial cells lining vessel walls. Those cells within the blood vessels allow the blood to flow freely.

Four NIH SBIR grants funded development of this coating.

Biomimetic coatings are designed and applied to:

•  Reduce thrombosis occlusion compared with non-coated catheters¹
•  Reduce pressure necessary to clean thrombus by 66% when compared
   with a non–coated catheter¹
          –This leads to a longer lasting catheter
•  Allow the use of a saline lock instead of a heparinized saline lock
          –Eliminates risk of heparin allergic reaction
          –Simplifies catheter maintenance
          –Reduces cost of catheter care
•  Coating does not degrade over time
          –Catheters last longer because less thrombosis amasses
          –Less pressure is required to clear reduced thrombus
•  Do not include antibiotics
          –Research has documented potential for allergic reaction, and
            development of resistant strains of bacteria from antibiotic catheter
            coatings.²

1 Based on laboratory and animal studies on r4 PICC or apheresis catheters. Data on file r4 Vascular.
2 Falk A, The Role of Surface Coatings on Central Venous and Hemodialysis Catheters, Endovascular Today, June 2008, pgs 51–53.

r4 Vascular’s Biomimetic coating is available on our Zeus Coated CT PICCs.

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