Apparatus and method for removal of biofilm from metallic devices

An in vitro method of removing biofilm from, or reducing bacterial adhesion to, a metallic medical device external to the human or animal body, comprising:

• connecting a first electrode to a surface of the medical device;
• exposing a target area on the surface of the medical device to an electrolytic fluid;
• placing a second electrode proximal to the target area;
• providing electrical power between the first and second electrode such that electrolysis occurs in the electrolytic fluid;
• wherein the electrical power comprises a plurality of electrical pulses, wherein the potential difference between the first and second electrode is at least 1V;
• wherein the current applied in each electrical pulse is up to 2A, and wherein each electrical pulse has a duration of less than 1 second.

An apparatus for removal of biofilm from a metallic medical device, comprising:

• a fluid output connectable to a source of electrolytic fluid, the fluid output for supplying the electrolytic fluid to wash a target area of the medical device;
• a first electrode for electrically connecting to the medical device;
• the second electrode configured to be placed proximal to the fluid output;
• and
• an electric power source for supplying electrical power between the first and second electrodes;
• wherein the electrical power source is configured to provide intermittent electrical pulses between the first and second electrode such that electrolysis occurs at the surface of the metallic device, wherein the potential difference between the first and second electrode is at least 1V and wherein the current density applied in each electrical pulse is up to 15 A per cm2 of the target area.

An apparatus for removal of biofilm from a metallic medical device, comprising:

• a fluid output connectable to a source of electrolytic fluid, the fluid output for supplying the electrolytic fluid to wash a target area of the medical device;
• a first electrode for electrically connecting to the medical device;
• the second electrode configured to be placed proximal to the fluid output;
• and
• an electric power source for supplying electrical power between the first and second electrodes;
• wherein the electrical power source is configured to provide intermittent electrical pulses between the first and second electrode such that electrolysis occurs at the surface of the metallic device, wherein the potential difference between the first and second electrode is at least 1V;
• and wherein the current applied in each electrical pulse is up to 2A, and wherein each electrical pulse has a duration of less than 1 second.