12 DISC
Development of a safer peripheral intravenous cannula (PIVC) with longer indwell duration
To design and develop a safer peripheral intravenous cannula (PIVC) with longer indwell duration with minimal thrombophlebitis and infections to replace current IV cannulas.
To innovate a next generation of peripheral intravenous cannula (PIVC) for longer indwell times of at least 10-14 days with minimal potential for thrombophlebitis and infections with design and biomaterial modifications leading to
a) thrombosis retardant properties of the surface of the IV cannula
b) hydrophilicity
c) optimized combination of stiffness needed for insertion followed by malleable and thermo-responsiveness to body temperature for better intraluminal adaptation and lessening of tip induced endothelial injury
d) minimal yet sufficient intraluminal length for good intraluminal retention compatible with movements of the limb on which the IV cannula is fixed
e) body surface contour adapting fixation flanges for firm fixation with minimized movement at the cutaneous puncture site
f) microbial biofilm retarding properties of the surface along the hub and length of the PIVC
g) anti-inflammatory surface
h) inert properties with absent chemical interaction/antigenicity with the infused fluid/drug/blood
j) adequate surface area for pincer grasp during insertion
k) cost effective with single insertion vis a vis multiple insertion with PIVC
To replace current generation of peripheral IV cannulas in the medical setup especially with:
a) settings with high risk of hospital acquired infections viz. acute care areas, intensive care and daycare patients
b) special patient groups - neonates and young infants with small veins, persons undergoing chemotherapy/repeated blood transfusions over years (e.g. thalassaemic) wherein veins become thrombosed and fibrosed over years. S
