North American Neuromodulation Society Educational Curriculum for Intrathecal Drug Delivery Systems Implantation and Management.

OBJECTIVES: Intrathecal drug delivery systems (IDDSs) are used for the treatment of pain and spasticity. A wide range of educational criteria exist for these devices. The North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) Education Committee developed a comprehensive IDDS curriculum to function as a standard for physician graduate education and assessment through training and into practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A multidisciplinary and diverse task force gathered by the NANS Education Committee met in person and virtually over several sessions and developed an IDDS curriculum modeling their previous work on spinal cord stimulation and following the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Milestones. There were iterative revisions and adaptations to the curriculum, and the final version was approved by the NANS Board of Directors. RESULTS: The curriculum was developed with distinction between implanting physicians and managing physician and physicians who perform both tasks. There is a lateral temporal progression from early learner to practitioner, with advanced learner in the middle. In addition, there is a modular vertical organization that divides the curriculum into the six educational competencies outlined by the ACGME. CONCLUSION: A comprehensive, modular, graduated, and segmented educational curriculum for IDDSs was developed by NANS. We propose the curriculum to be the standard for guidance and assessment of trainees and physicians pursuing training in implanting or managing IDDSs.

10-kHz Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Postsurgical Pain: Results From a 12-Month Prospective, Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) can be caused by peripheral nerve injury (PNI) resulting from surgical procedures and has a significant neuropathic component. This prospective, single-arm study was conducted to document the effectiveness of 10-kHz spinal cord stimulation (10-kHz SCS) as a treatment for patients with CPSP. METHODS: Subjects with CPSP who were refractory to conventional medical interventions and reported pain scores of ≥5 cm on a 10-cm VAS underwent trial stimulations lasting up to 14 days. Epidural leads were implanted at locations appropriate for the primary area of pain, and trials resulting in ≥40% pain relief were considered successful. Subjects with successful trials underwent implantation with a permanent 10-kHz SCS system and were followed for 12 months after implantation. RESULTS: Of the 34 subjects who underwent trial stimulation, 1 was withdrawn early and 29 (87.9%) had a successful trial and received a permanent implant. After 12 months of treatment, the mean VAS score decreased by 6.5 cm, the response rate was 88.0% (22/25), and 18 subjects (62.1%) were remitters with VAS scores sustained at ≤3.0 cm. Scores for all components of the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire 2 were significantly reduced, including affective descriptors of pain. Pain catastrophizing and vigilance, patient function, physical and mental well-being, and sleep quality all improved over the course of the study. No neurologic deficits reported in the study. CONCLUSIONS: 10-kHz SCS is effective and tolerated in patients with CPSP, and further study of its clinical application in this population is warranted.

Development of an Educational Curriculum for Spinal Cord Stimulation.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord stimulators (SCSs) are used for treating chronic pain. The number of SCSs implanted each year is on the increase. The North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) education committee aimed to develop a SCS curriculum as a tool to guide physicians at different training levels, based on the most recent evidence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A multidisciplinary (anesthesiology, physical medicine, neurosurgery, and neurology), taskforce representing the education committee of the NANS met to develop a SCS curriculum following the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) milestones. The task force used the best available evidence and knowledge to develop the curriculum. Once developed, the SCS curriculum was then approved by the NANS board. RESULTS: The task force developed a SCS training curriculum. Milestones included patient care and procedural skills, system-based practice, medical knowledge, interpersonal communication, practice based learning and professionalism. Each milestone was defined for three categories, early learner, advanced learner, and practitioner. CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary task force of the NANS education committee developed a SCS training curriculum that defines ACGME milestones for basic learners, advanced learners, and practitioners.

Pulsed Dose Radiofrequency Before Ablation of Medial Branch of the Lumbar Dorsal Ramus for Zygapophyseal Joint Pain Reduces Post-procedural Pain.

BACKGROUND: One of the potential side effects with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) includes painful cutaneous dysesthesias and increased pain due to neuritis or neurogenic inflammation. This pain may require the prescription of opioids or non-opioid analgesics to control post-procedural pain and discomfort. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study is to compare post-procedural pain scores and post-procedural oral analgesic use in patients receiving continuous thermal radiofrequency ablation versus patients receiving pulsed dose radiofrequency immediately followed by continuous thermal radiofrequency ablation for zygopophaseal joint disease. STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective, double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial. Patients who met all the inclusion criteria and were not subject to any of the exclusion criteria were required to have two positive diagnostic medial branch blocks prior to undergoing randomization, intervention, and analysis. SETTING: University hospital. METHODS: Eligible patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either receive thermal radiofrequency ablation alone (standard group) or pulsed dose radiofrequency (PDRF) immediately followed by thermal radiofrequency ablation (investigational group), all of which were performed by a single Board Certified Pain Medicine physician. Post-procedural pain levels between the two groups were assessed using the numerical pain Scale (NPS), and patients were contacted by phone on post-procedural days 1 and 2 in the morning and afternoon regarding the amount of oral analgesic medications used in the first 48 hours following the procedure. RESULTS: Patients who received pulsed dose radiofrequency followed by continuous radiofrequency neurotomy reported statistically significantly lower post-procedural pain scores in the first 24 hours compared to patients who received thermal radiofrequency neurotomy alone. These patients also used less oral analgesic medication in the post-procedural period. LIMITATIONS: These interventions were carried out by one board accredited pain physician at one center. The procedures were exclusively performed using one model of radiofrequency generator, at one setting for the PDRF and RFA. The difference in the number of levels of ablation was not considered in the analysis of the results. CONCLUSION: Treating patients with pulsed dose radiofrequency prior to continuous thermal radiofrequency ablation can provide patients with less post-procedural pain during the first 24 hours and also reduce analgesic requirements. Furthermore, the addition of PDRF to standard thermal RFA did not prolong the time of standard thermal radiofrequency ablation procedures, as it was performed during the typically allotted time for local anesthetic action. KEY WORDS: Low back pain, facet joint disease, medial branch block, Radiofrequency ablation, thermal radiofrequency, pulsed dose radiofrequency, PDRF, zygapophyseal joint.

Coccydynia: an overview of the anatomy, etiology, and treatment of coccyx pain.

BACKGROUND: Despite its small size, the coccyx has several important functions. Along with being the insertion site for multiple muscles, ligaments, and tendons, it also serves as one leg of the tripod-along with the ischial tuberosities-that provides weight-bearing support to a person in the seated position. The incidence of coccydynia (pain in the region of the coccyx) has not been reported, but factors associated with increased risk of developing coccydynia include obesity and female gender. METHODS: This article provides an overview of the anatomy, physiology, and treatment of coccydynia. RESULTS: Conservative treatment is successful in 90% of cases, and many cases resolve without medical treatment. Treatments for refractory cases include pelvic floor rehabilitation, manual manipulation and massage, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, psychotherapy, steroid injections, nerve block, spinal cord stimulation, and surgical procedures. CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary approach employing physical therapy, ergonomic adaptations, medications, injections, and, possibly, psychotherapy leads to the greatest chance of success in patients with refractory coccyx pain. Although new surgical techniques are emerging, more research is needed before their efficacy can be established.

How to assess a new patient for a multidisciplinary chronic pain rehabilitation program: a review article.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that affects people all over the world. To effectively treat chronic pain patients, assignment to patient-centered functional restoration and psychological pain rehabilitation programs at an early stage is essential. METHODS: This article describes the initial patient screening and evaluation process for an interdisciplinary chronic pain rehabilitation program and highlights the relevant points that should be covered in each section of the initial assessment. RESULTS: A thorough, detailed history that includes an evaluation of the patient's pain, functional limitations, prior medications, prior procedures/interventions, substance abuse, and psychiatric disorders, as well as the patient's social, legal, and developmental histories, are key to the proper screening and appropriate treatment of patients with chronic pain. CONCLUSION: Thorough initial evaluation of patients is essential for proper enrollment in a chronic pain rehabilitation program. Such programs allow early treatment and reduce unnecessary health costs. Future prospective studies are needed to identify additional screening methods and triage tools to allow early admission of appropriate patients to these rehabilitation programs.

Successful treatment of occipital neuralgia with implantable peripheral nerve stimulation in a pacemaker-dependent patient.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral nerve stimulation has been used to treat patients with occipital nerve-related chronic headaches who have been unsuccessful with less invasive therapeutic approaches. Patients with pacemaker-dependent cardiac conduction abnormalities require unique consideration prior to the implantation of peripheral nerve stimulators because the placement of the devices may lead to failure of the systems secondary to electromagnetic interference or crosstalk between the devices. CASE REPORT: An 86-year-old female who suffered from chronic right-sided cervicogenic headaches and neck pain had received only temporary relief from previous treatments. Additional comorbidities included longstanding pacemaker-dependent atrioventricular node conduction disease. Because the extent to which nerve stimulators electrically interact with pacemakers is unclear, we tunneled the leads to the lumbar region of the back and placed the generator on the contralateral side to the pacemaker to minimize the chance that the 2 devices would interfere. The patient has remained pain free for 1 year since implantation. CONCLUSION: Although no current published trials evaluate the degree of interference between medical devices, case reports increasingly suggest that simultaneous implantation of a spinal cord stimulator and pacemaker is safe as long as precautions are taken and the devices are checked periodically, particularly when the devices are adjusted.

Use of ultrasound and fluoroscopy guidance in percutaneous radiofrequency lesioning of the sensory branches of the femoral and obturator nerves.

Hip pain is a common condition that is often seen in patients with multiple comorbidities. Often surgery is not an option due to these comorbidities. Percutaneous radiofrequency lesioning of the articular branches of the obturator and femoral nerves is an alternative treatment for hip pain. Traditionally, fluoroscopy is used to guide needle placement. We report a case where a novel approach was used with ultrasound guidance to visualize vascular and soft tissue structures in real time. The use of ultrasound might help to guide the needle to avoid vascular complications due to anatomical variation between patients.

The cross-talk between spinal cord stimulators and the Confirm™ cardiac monitor.

INTRODUCTION: Spinal cord stimulators (SCS) function by transmission of electrical impulses to electrode contacts placed within the epidural space depending on the painful area to be treated. Because of the electrical nature of the SCS, there has been concern about the interaction between these devices and devices that monitor or augment the cardiac system. Implantable loop recorders help to identify the causes of syncope or palpitation by continuously evaluating and recording portions of an electrocardiograph in patients being evaluated for cardiac conduction arrhythmias. The purpose of the study is to simulate the possible effects of spinal cord stimulation on a Confirm cardiac monitor (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA). METHODS: Twenty patients without preexisting cardiac disease, who were successfully being treated with SCS, were enrolled. Confirm loop recorders (St. Jude Medical) were placed on their chest wall in a noninvasive manner, with all programmed at identical settings. Multiple stimulation settings were adjusted on the stimulators and the recordings from the Confirm loop recorder were analyzed for evidence of interference. RESULTS: Fifteen of the patients had no electrical noise detected at any of the tested combinations of stimulation. Five patients had some electrical "noise" detected by the loop recorder, but it did not inhibit the cardiologist evaluating the recording from analyzing the electrocardiograph for diagnostic purposes. At no point with any of the patients at any tested setting was there an appearance of a life-threatening arrhythmia. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that spinal cord stimulation is unlikely to interfere with the data collected by the Confirm loop recorder, and the presence of an SCS should not interfere with the ability to use a loop recorder for diagnostic purposes.

Evaluation of interaction between a spinal cord stimulator and implanted cardioverter-defibrillator in a swine model.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord stimulators (SCS) have been used for many years to treat a myriad of chronic pain conditions using electrical signals to diminish the perception of a painful stimulus. Because of the electrical nature of the devices, there is a concern about the potential for electromagnetic interaction between the device and lifesaving cardiac implantable cardioverters-defibrillators (ICVD). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to use a swine model to evaluate the potential for interaction between an implanted SCS and ICVD using the closest possible proximity, highest stimulation settings, and most sensitive ICVD settings. METHODS: A pig was anesthetized and subsequently an ICVD and ICVD lead (Cogni 100-D and Endotak Reliance®, Boston Scientific, Natick, MA) were placed into the right prepectoral region and the right ventricle, respectively. An SCS (50 cm linear ST Precision Plu octad electrode lead [Boston Scientific, Valencia, CA] with 3 mm wide contacts spaced one mm apart- ) was implanted using fluoroscopic guidance into the posterior epidural space. Remote interrogation and programming of the ICVD were performed while the SCS lead was placed in as close proximity as possible, using fluoroscopy to guide the final position of the SCS electrode. After confirming that both systems were working, appropriately 9 stimulating configurations of varying current, pulse width, and frequency, including maximal settings, were delivered through the SCS. The effects on the ICVD were recorded at 2 sensitivity settings. RESULTS: None of the tested SCS configurations caused interference with the proper functioning of the ICVD. LIMITATIONS: The anatomical proximity of the posterior epidural space and right ventricle of the swine is different from humans. While the entire pacer, including generator, was imbedded in a subcutaneous pocket, an implantable pulse generator for the SCS was not implanted, which did not allow us to study if any damage or a resetting of settings had occurred to the generator. Only one manufacturer was used in this study. Also, this study was performed in an anesthetized pig and the anatomical positions remained static. Realistically, changes in position of the devices would occur in patients who perform activities of daily living, and this can potentially shorten the distance between the 2 leads causing adverse interaction. CONCLUSION: This study clearly demonstrated the feasibility of the 2 devices coexisting and functioning appropriately in an animal model using an ICVD and SCS donated by Boston Scientific. Further studies are needed to elucidate restrictions, optimal settings and parameters in a human setting.

Comparative activities of daptomycin, linezolid, and tigecycline against catheter-related methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus bacteremic isolates embedded in biofilm.

In the setting of catheter-related bloodstream infections, intraluminal antibiotic lock therapy could be useful for the salvage of vascular catheters. In this in vitro study, we investigated the efficacies of the newer antibiotics daptomycin, linezolid, and tigecycline, in comparison with those of vancomycin, minocycline, and rifampin, against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) embedded in biofilm. We also assessed the emergence of MRSA strains resistant to these antibiotics, alone or in combination with rifampin, after 4-hour daily use for catheter lock therapy. Minocycline, daptomycin, and tigecycline were more efficacious in inhibiting MRSA in biofilm than linezolid, vancomycin, and the negative control (P < 0.001) after the first day of exposure to these antibiotics, with minocycline being the most active, followed by daptomycin and then tigecycline, and with vancomycin and linezolid lacking activity, similar to the negative control. After 3 days of 4-hour daily exposures, daptomycin was the fastest in eradicating MRSA from biofilm, followed by minocycline and tigecycline, which were faster than linezolid, rifampin, and vancomycin (P < 0.001). When rifampin was used alone, it was the least effective in eradicating MRSA from biofilm after 5 days of 4-hour daily exposures, as it was associated with the emergence of rifampin-resistant MRSA. However, when rifampin was used in combination with other antibiotics, the combination was significantly effective in eliminating MRSA colonization in biofilm more rapidly than each of the antibiotics alone. In summary, daptomycin, minocycline, and tigecycline should be considered further for antibiotic lock therapy, and rifampin should be considered for enhanced antistaphylococcal activity but not as a single agent.

Optimal antimicrobial catheter lock solution, using different combinations of minocycline, EDTA, and 25-percent ethanol, rapidly eradicates organisms embedded in biofilm.

Antimicrobial lock solutions may be needed to salvage indwelling catheters in patients requiring continuous intravenous therapy. We determined the activity of minocycline, EDTA, and 25% ethanol, alone or in combination, against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Candida parapsilosis catheter-related bloodstream infection strains in two established models of biofilm colonization. Biofilm-colonized catheter segments from a modified Robbins device and a silicone disk biofilm colonization model were exposed to these antimicrobial agents for 15 or 60 min, respectively. After exposure, segments were sonicated and cultured. To determine regrowth after incubation at 37 degrees C, following the brief exposure to the antimicrobial agents, an equal number of segments were washed, reincubated for 24 h, and then sonicated and cultured. The triple combination of minocycline-EDTA (M-EDTA) in 25% ethanol was the only antimicrobial lock solution that completely eradicated S. aureus and C. parapsilosis in biofilm of all segments tested in the two models, and it completely prevented regrowth. In addition, M-EDTA in 25% ethanol was significantly more effective in rapidly eradicating the growth or regrowth of methicillin-resistant S. aureus and C. parapsilosis biofilm colonization in the two models than the other solutions--minocycline, EDTA, M-EDTA, 25% ethanol, and EDTA in ethanol. We conclude that M-EDTA in 25% ethanol is highly effective at rapidly eradicating S. aureus and C. parapsilosis embedded in biofilm adhering to catheter segments.

Comparative in vitro efficacies and antimicrobial durabilities of novel antimicrobial central venous catheters.

We investigated the efficacies and durability of novel antimicrobial central venous catheters (CVCs) in preventing the adherence of microbial organisms to the surfaces of the CVCs. Novel antimicrobial CVCs investigated in this in vitro study were impregnated with antibiotics (minocycline and rifampin), with Oligon agent (silver, platinum, and carbon black), with approved antiseptics (chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine), or with a novel antiseptic agent, gendine, which contains gentian violet and chlorhexidine. When tested against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, gendine-coated CVC segments provided protection against bacterial adherence significantly more than all other types of tested CVCs (P < 0.05). Gendine-coated CVCs also provided better protection against Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis than CVCs impregnated with antibiotics or with silver, platinum, and carbon (P < 0.02). After 28 days of being soaked in serum, the CVCs impregnated with chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine and the CVCs impregnated with silver, platinum, and carbon had lost antimicrobial activity against MRSA, P. aeruginosa, and C. parapsilosis, and the CVCs impregnated with minocycline and rifampin had lost activity against P. aeruginosa and C. parapsilosis. The CVCs impregnated with gendine maintained antimicrobial activities against MRSA, P. aeruginosa, and C. parapsilosis after 28 days of being soaked in serum. Central venous catheters impregnated with the novel investigational antiseptic gendine showed in vitro efficacy and provided protection against bacterial adherence more than other approved novel antimicrobial-coated CVCs.

Chest tube-related empyema due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: could the chest tube be coated with antiseptics?

We reviewed the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of 3 cases of chest tube-related empyema due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Antiseptic-impregnated chest tubes were inserted in cultures containing MRSA isolates from these 3 patients, and zone of inhibition were measured. Chest tube-related MRSA empyema might complicate tube thoracostomy, and coating the chest tube with antiseptic agents could prevent this complication.

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium: catheter colonization, esp gene, and decreased susceptibility to antibiotics in biofilm.

To evaluate the molecular characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility in biofilm of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREF) organisms that had caused catheter-related VREF bacteremia (VREF-CRB), we compared 22 isolates causing bacteremia obtained from patients with VREF-CRB with 30 isolates from control patients with gastrointestinal colonization by VREF. Using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, we identified 17 unique strains among the 22 VREF-CRB isolates and 23 strains among the gastrointestinal isolates. The esp gene was detected in 53% (9 of 17) of the VREF-CRB and 61% (14 of 23) of the control strains (P = 0.6). VREF-CRB produced heavier biofilm colonization of silicone disks than did control organisms (P < 0.001). Daptomycin, minocycline, and quinupristin-dalfopristin were each independently more active than linezolid in reducing biofilm colonization by VREF-CRB (P < 0.01), with daptomycin being the most active, followed by minocycline. In conclusion, the esp gene in VREF is not associated with heavy biofilm colonization or catheter-related bacteremia. In biofilm, daptomycin and minocycline were the most active antibiotics against VREF, and linezolid was the least active.

A rapid method of impregnating endotracheal tubes and urinary catheters with gendine: a novel antiseptic agent.

OBJECTIVES: To test the efficacy of gendine, a novel antiseptic, containing Gentian Violet and chlorhexidine, in coating different medical devices, including endotracheal tubes (ETT) and urinary catheters (UC). METHODS: We determined the antimicrobial efficacy and cytotoxicity of ETT and UC segments coated, through an instant dip method, with gendine. Using the modified Kirby-Bauer method, gendine-coated devices showed zones of inhibition of >/=15 mm against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Candida parapsilosis. RESULTS: Gendine-coated endotracheal tubes (GND-ETT) soaked in bronchoalveolar fluid (BAL) and incubated at 37 degrees C maintained a zone of inhibition of >/=15 mm against MRSA and P. aeruginosa for at least 3 weeks. Similarly, gendine-coated urinary catheters (GND-UC), soaked in urine, maintained a zone of inhibition of >/=15 mm against E. coli for 8 weeks. Using the minimum essential media elution method in mouse fibroblast cells, GND-ETT and GND-UC were found to be non-cytotoxic. Gendine-coated UC significantly reduced the amount of viable MRSA, E. coli or C. parapsilosis organisms adhering to their surfaces when compared with silver/hydrogel-coated urinary catheters or control uncoated catheters (P < 0.01). Similarly GND-ETT significantly reduced the adherence of the same organisms as well as P. aeruginosa when compared with control (P

Clinical-use-associated decrease in susceptibility of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium to linezolid: a comparison with quinupristin-dalfopristin.

The susceptibility of 135 vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium bacteremic isolates to linezolid and quinupristin-dalfopristin was determined. All were susceptible to linezolid, while 88% were susceptible to quinupristin-dalfopristin prior to the clinical use of the drugs at our hospital. More than 6 months after their clinical use, a decrease in susceptibility was noted for only linezolid at 83%. This was related in part to a single G2576U gene mutation in domain V of the 23S rRNA gene.

In vitro and ex vivo activities of minocycline and EDTA against microorganisms embedded in biofilm on catheter surfaces.

Minocycline-EDTA (M-EDTA) flush solution has been shown to prevent catheter-related infection and colonization in a rabbit model and in hemodialysis patients. We undertook this study in order to determine the activities of M-EDTA against organisms embedded in fresh biofilm (in vitro) and mature biofilm (ex vivo). For the experiment with the in vitro model, a modified Robbin's device (MRD) was used whereby 25 catheter segments were flushed for 18 h with 10(6) CFU of biofilm-producing Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans per ml. Subsequently, each of the catheter segments was incubated in one of the following solutions: (i) streptokinase, (ii) heparin, (iii) broth alone, (iv) vancomycin, (v) vancomycin-heparin, (vi) EDTA, (vii) minocycline (high-dose alternating with low-dose), or (viii) M-EDTA (low-dose minocycline alternating with high-dose minocycline were used to study the additive and synergistic activities of M-EDTA). All segments were cultured quantitatively by scrape sonication. For the experiment with the ex vivo model, 54 catheter tip segments removed from patients and colonized with bacterial organisms by roll plate were longitudinally cut into two equal segments and exposed to either saline, heparin, EDTA, or M-EDTA (with high-dose minocycline). Subsequently, all segments were examined by confocal laser electron microscopy. In the in vitro MRD model, M-EDTA (with a low concentration of minocycline) was significantly more effective than any other agent in reducing colonization of S. epidermidis, S. aureus, and C. albicans (P < 0.01). M-EDTA (with a high concentration of minocycline) eradicated all staphylococcal and C. albicans organisms embedded in the biofilm. In the ex vivo model, M-EDTA (with a high concentration of minocycline) reduced bacterial colonization more frequently than EDTA or heparin (P < 0.01). We concluded that M-EDTA is highly active in eradicating microorganisms embedded in fresh and mature biofilm adhering to catheter surfaces.

Clinical experience with minocycline and rifampin-impregnated central venous catheters in bone marrow transplantation recipients: efficacy and low risk of developing staphylococcal resistance.

In this retrospective evaluation of the 4-year clinical use of minocycline and rifampin-impregnated catheters in bone marrow transplantation (BMT) patients, we report low risk of development of staphylococcal resistance to the antibiotics coating the catheters and efficacy in preventing primary staphylococcal bloodstream infections.