Medical Devices Pose Big Infection Threat

Healthcare workers have long been trying to prevent infections related to medical devices, but must try even harder as of Oct. 1, 2008, when regulations from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) go into effect. As a result, hospitals will no longer receive higher payments for the additional costs associated with treating patients for certain hospital-acquired infections, including those caused by catheters, etc.

Device infections can be caused by microorganisms that are on medical devices when they penetrate the epidermis or are put inside the body, but they can also enter the body through the associated wound. Unlike the human body, a medical device lacks natural defenses and is therefore a hospitable place for microorganisms to populate.

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are a common source of medical device infection. Catheters are extremely useful but they weaken skin integrity and thus leave the epidermis vulnerable to bacteria and fungus. The bloodstream can also become infected. Nosocomial bloodstream infections can be deadly, cost between $3,700 and $29,000 per case¹ and increase hospital stays by a mean of seven days.¹