Antimicrobial cables and systems for medical technology Demanding applications – hygienic solutions
The Quality Connection
A new, highly effective technology for anti microbial treatment of cable surfaces Microorganisms are the cause of numerous infections in hos-
This is the basis for a highly effective technology with the help
pitals (nosocomial infections) [1]. Millions of people worldwide
of which LEONI can add antimicrobial [6] treatment [7] to cable
are infected with multi-resistant germs – many people also die
surfaces. In line with the Lewis acid-base theory, acid ions are
of this cause in Europe [2]. These infections stem from contami-
released that lower the pH level only on the boundary surface.
nated materials; especially plastic surfaces near patients [3] such
This reaction causes a disruption of the sensitive pH balance
as medical devices (e.g. ECG, ultrasound, endoscope) and their
of the microorganisms. Cell functions are compromised and
cables [4]. According to a study, 77 % of ECG cables are popu-
separation is restricted; the cell is weakened and ultimately dies
lated with antibiotic-resistant pathogens [5].
off. This antimicrobial effect can be microbiologically proven. Furthermore, because of its median grain size of > 1μm, the
The growth of germs depends on the pH level. Like the skin’s
oxide does not come under the controversial nanotechnology.
acid protective layer, a pH level of < 4 also prevents bacteria from settling on a plastic surface.
strong acid
0 pH-level
efficiency scope
neutral
4
7
strong alkaline solution
14
Verifications
Reference list:
Quality-Labs BT has verified the effectiveness.
[1] Gastmeier Petra; Nosocomial infections in Germany: “What are the numbers, based on the estimates for 2006”;
HygCen carried out medical testing pursuant to DIN EN ISO
Dtsch Med Wochenschr (2008); issue 133; 1111-1115
10993-5 and 10993-10.
[2] Jean-Louis Vincent; Nosocomial infections in adult intensive-care units; The Lancet; 361 (2003); 2068-77 [3] Kerri A; Environmental contamination because of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii surrounding colonized or infected patients; American Journal of Infection Control (2011) Volume 39, Issue 9, Pages 711-715 [4] Donna Quinton Brown; Electrocardiography Wires: A Potential Source of Infection; NTI News Section B; 106 (2006) [5] Jancin Bruse; Antibiotic resistant Pathogens found on 77 % of ECG lead wires; Cardiology News; 2 (2004); 14 [6] Test report of QualityLabs BT GmbH [7] Zollfrank Cordt et al.; Antimicrobial activity of transition metal acid MoO3 prevents microbial growth on material; Materials Science and Engineering: C; (2012), 47-57 [8] Test report of HygCen GmbH
LEONI provides these benefits: ■■
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A new, highly effective antimicrobial mechanism for
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No induction of resistances
plastic surfaces
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Reduction in adherence, thereby less biofilm formation
Biocompatible in accordance with DIN EN ISO 10993-5
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Lasting reduction in germ load
and 10993-10 [8]
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Risk of infection is lowered
No deactivation during use due to hand perspiration
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Hygiene is improved and overall costs reduced
or proteins ■■
Reduces the germ load also of e.g. MRSA, VRE and ESBL
Germ load General hygiene
Hand disinfection staff
high
An antimicrobial surface can contribute significantly to reducing the germ load, increasing the hygiene standard and minimising the risk of infection.
Antimicrobial surface
Immune system
low
0h
3h
6h
9h
12h Staphylococcus aureus MRSA ATCC 25923
Escherichia coli ATCC 27020
Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145
Test description
Note regarding the test method
The test specimen (an approx. 4 cm long section of cable) is
The findings obtained with this method correspond to the
incubated with 109 CFU*/ ml for six hours. Thereafter the test
results of tests in practice, involving various timeframes and
specimen is wound across a blood agar plate, which is incubated
concentrations on the surface. A significantly faster reduction is
at 37 °C, every three hours.
evident in the case of a minor germ load. This method describes
*(CFU = colony-forming units)
not only the biostatic and biocide effect in planktonic condition, but also assesses the adherence and the biofilm formation of the germs. Blocking these is the key to eliminating germs on the
Analysis of the photographic documentation
surface.
A significant reduction in germs is evident after 3 hours. Subsequently, after 6 to 12 hours (depending on the germ), there are
LEONI is also backed in this by the findings of an accredited
no pathogens left on the cable surface.
laboratory, which applied a recognised, quantified measurement method [6]. A substantial reduction of germs of > 99.99 % is already achieved when adding a small measure of the oxide. The antimicrobial effect is also maintained during normal handling (affected by perspiration or protein) at different times and
Tested germs
in various concentrations.
Escherichia coli
ATCC 25922
Enterococcus faecium
ATCC 29212
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
ATCC 25923
Staphylococcus epidermidis
ATCC 700562
Streptococcus spp.
ATCC BAA 1413 59650
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
ATCC 10145
Klebsiella pneumoniae
ATCC 10872
Candida albicans
ATCC 90028
Proteus mirabilis
D. Stickler, Birmingham
Enterobacter cloacae
ATCC 19336
Biological risk assessment There is no evidence of any side effects like toxicity, allergies and irritation pursuant to DIN EN ISO 10993 on the human skin [8].
Antimicrobial cable solutions – Made by LEONI As one of the world‘s leading manufacturers of special cables and cable systems for medical technology, LEONI exclusively provides its customers with an extensive portfolio of products for sophisticated applications in line with the respective requirement profile. In principle, any solution can be antimicrobial-treated regardless of the intended application.
Our product portfolio Cable
Applications Diagnostics
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Hybrid cables
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X-ray
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Catheter technology
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Fiber optic cables
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Mammography
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Intracorporal systems
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Measurement and control cables
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Computer tomography
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Extracorporal support systems
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Coaxial and high-frequency cables
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Magnetic resonance tomography
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Dental technology
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Data cables
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Ultrasound / sonography
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Miniature cables
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Molecular imaging / nuclear medicine
Patient monitoring
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Flat cables
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Endoscopy
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ECG, EEG & MEG
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Wires and strands
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Catheter technology
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Oxygen saturation
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ECG, EEG & MEG
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Blood pressure
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Laboratory technology
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Temperature
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Dental technology
Cable systems ■■
Cable harnesses and systems
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Pre-assembled cables
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Cable routing systems
Therapy
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Safety cut-out sensor
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Radiotherapy
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Laser medicine
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High-frequency surgery
Fibers & laser probes ■■
Fiber bundles
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Robot and computer-assisted surgery
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Laser probes
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Laparoscopy
LEONI Kabel GmbH Business Unit Healthcare
Stieberstrasse 5 D-91154 Roth Germany Phone +49 (0)9171-804-2266 Fax
+49 (0)9171-804-2199
www.leoni-healthcare.com