Antimicrobial polyurethanes for intravascular medical devices

Intravascular devices are indispensable tools for clinicians. However, complications are still associated with their use, the most common of which is the onset of infections. These infections are usually resistant to antibiotic chemotherapy since they are supported by microbial biofilms.The application of antimicrobial and antifouling polyurethanes (PUs) to intravascular devices represents a valid strategy for reducing the development of device-related infections. Antifouling PUs repel microorganisms approaching the device while antimicrobial polymers are expected to kill microbes either floating in proximity of the device or adhering to the device. Antimicrobial PUs can either release antimicrobials or be intrinsically active. While many antimicrobial agent-releasing PUs have been evaluated in clinics, intrinsically antimicrobial PUs have been mainly studied in vitro. In this chapter, antimicrobial PUs are reviewed and discussed.