| abstract |
Methods for applying an antimicrobial coating to a medical device is disclosed. Generally, the methods comprise providing a medical device, dispensing an antimicrobial coating onto the device, flushing excess coating from the device, and curing the coating onto the device. In one aspect, the coating includes a UV-curable, antimicrobial composition. In this aspect, the medical device can be coated and the coating can be cured with UV light in a manner of seconds. In another aspect, the coating includes an antimicrobial solution that contains an acrylate-type polymer or copolymer. In this aspect, the medical device can be coated and the coating can be heat-cured in a manner of minutes. Both the UV-curable composition and the antimicrobial solution can also include rheological modifiers, as necessary. Additionally, the compositions include one or more antimicrobial agents, which may be selected from a wide array of agents. |