About this Abstract |
Meeting |
2024 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF Symp 2024)
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Symposium
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2024 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF Symp 2024)
|
Presentation Title |
Re-Defining Catheter Care with Multi-Material Additive Manufacturing |
Author(s) |
James Wilford Caruana, Geoffrey Rivers, Adam Dundas, Karina de Almeida Lins, Cameron Devine, Richard Hague, Derek Irvine |
On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
James Wilford Caruana |
Abstract Scope |
Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) and chronic bacterial biofilm formation pose persistent healthcare challenges, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality rates. Neonatal and low-birth-weight infants are especially vulnerable due to heightened susceptibility to CRBSI, exacerbated by misplaced routine catheters and inadequate tracking structures and sizing. This study showcases stereolithography (SLA) as a method for developing functionalized multi-material and multi-lumen catheter structures. Critical to our investigation was the systematic evaluation of candidate monomers: Tetrahydrofurfuryl Acrylate (THFuA) and Tricyclodecane-dimethanol Diacrylate (TCDMDA). These materials presented non-eluting anti-biofilm effects, effectively mitigating Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation on printed components. Incorporation contrast agents into these formulations using novel nanoparticles encapsulated in polymeric microparticles allowed for functionalised catheters with echogenicity in Ultrasound imaging. Removing the requirement for external coatings or eluting antibiotics. By amalgamating precision nano-engineering with bioactive polymeric formulations, our approach offers a paradigm shift towards mitigating CRBSIs and enhancing patient outcomes in neonatal and low-birth-weight populations. |
Proceedings Inclusion? |
Definite: Post-meeting proceedings |