Self-activating catheter insertion site dressing

Abstract

A self-activating dressing for use with a medical device inserted into a skin surface of a patient via a skin insertion site. The dressing includes a dressing body impregnated with a nitric oxide releasing compound which reacts in the presence of a physiological fluid to release nitric oxide. Nitric oxide provides antimicrobial activity and promotes wound healing. The nitric oxide releasing compound may include s-nitroso-n-acetyl penicillamine (SNAP), s-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), and mixtures thereof. A slit defined in the dressing body enables the dressing body to be placed around a perimeter of the medical device on the skin surface at the skin insertion site such that the dressing body surrounds and contacts skin insertion site. The dressing body may be further impregnated with a catalyst, such as copper, iron, zinc, selenium, and silver, to facilitate release of nitric oxide. The dressing body may be further impregnated with an additional antimicrobial agent.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.