Healthcare-associated infections are one of
the major challenges in medicine, with 3 .2
million people estimated to receive an infection
diagnosis every year in Europe, with an estimated
37,000 proven to be fatal.
This leads to 16 million extra days of hospital
stay and an annual cost of approximately 7
billion euros across Europe.
More than 65 % of the infections are related
to biofilm formation.
Biofilms are protected colonies of bacteria
that are less susceptible to immune response
and antibiotic therapy.
In orthopedic trauma, up to 30 % of cases
may result in infection, with almost 80 %
of all open fractures presenting some bacterial
contamination.
In order to help orthopedic surgeons in the
battle against infection, Zimmer Biomet is
introducing BactiGuard technology, a stable
and durable coating designed to help reduce
biofilm formation on orthopedic devices.
BactiGuard technology is a noble metal alloy
coating that consists of a thin layer made
up of discrete clusters of silver, gold and
palladium firmly attached to the surface
of the implant.
It is clinically proven for various non-orthopedic
medical devices in 40 clinical trials and
more than 100,000 patients.
When the BactiGuard coating comes into contact
with moisture, the noble metals create a unique
galvanic effect that generates tiny electrical
currents on the implant surface, reducing
bacterial adhesion and the subsequent risk
of biofilm formation.
Most anti-infective coating technologies release
substances such as antibiotics that not only
inhibit or kill bacteria, but also may adversely
affect human cells.
In contrast, BactiGuard technology is based
on a non-releasing mechanism and is designed
to be more tissue-friendly.
The ZNN BactiGuard system offer the combination
of a unique antibiotic-free, non-releasing,
anti-infective coating with clinically successful
intramedullary nailing systems.
This pairing is designed to provide a promising
solution for addressing implant-associated
infection and improving patient satisfaction,
as well as outcomes.
BactiGuard is now available for every ZNN
system in the EU.
Contact your local Zimmer Biomet representative
to experience the difference BactiGuard
can make in your OR.