Control of encrustation and blockage of Foley catheters

Urinary catheters often become encrusted and blocked by crystalline Proteus mirabilis biofilms. Results of experiments in a laboratory model of a Foley catheterised bladder infected with P mirabilis showed that when retention balloons were inflated with a solution of triclosan (10 g/L), the catheters drained freely for at least 7 days. Triclosan became impregnated throughout the silicone catheter material and completely inhibited the formation of crystalline biofilm, whereas catheters inflated with water became blocked in 24 h. Our observations suggest a way to control a common complication in patients with long-term indwelling bladder catheters.