26 January 2017

Bactiguard starts a new clinical trial that aims to reduce the risk of catheter associated urinary tract infections and the use of antibiotics in patients undergoing prostate cancer surgery in the well renowned Martini-Klinik of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf.

“In our never ending quest to improve the quality of life for our patients, we are continuously evaluating different ways that could improve patient outcomes and the quality of care. We are therefore very exicted about this study, in particular the possibility to reduce the use of antibiotics”, says Dr. Uwe Michl, Chief Physician at Martini-Klinik.

The Martini-Klinik is specialized in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment and is today the number one prostate cancer center in the world in terms of number of radical prostatectomies annually - with over 2200 operations 2015. The institute is focused on providing value based healthcare, where quality of life aspects for patients are at the centre of attention.

Patients who have undergone prostate cancer operations typically need a Foley catheter for a period of about 1-2 weeks after the surgery. The use of Foley catheters is well know to cause catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) that require antibiotics.

“We are very proud to work together with the world leading and well renowed Martini-Klinik in this important clinical study. Reducing the risk of infections requiring antibiotics is of paramount importance, particularly in light of increasing antimicrobial resistance. We believe that the use of Bactiguard technology can decrease the current need for antibiotics for this group of patients”, says Johan Rugfelt, COO at Bactiguard.

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of Bactiguard Infection Protection urinary catheters (BIP Foley Catheters) in the reduction of microbial growth in urine, catheter-associated urinary tract infections and the need for antibiotics in 100 patients undergoing open surgery for prostate cancer. The patients will be randomized into either receiving a Bactiguard catheter or a standard uncoated catheter. The patients will be followed during the entire catheterization time and one week after the catheter has been removed. Quality of life aspects will be recorded along with the clinical outcome. The study is expected to continue for a period of 6-9 months.