| abstract |
Infection-inhibiting compositions suitable for coating surfaces of implantable medical implants, including compositions and devices for coating medical devices in the operating room prior to implantation in a patient. Methods for inhibiting infection at the site of implantation of an orthopedic device in a human or animal subject, comprise rubbing a surface of the device, prior to implantation, with an infection-inhibiting composition having a waxy matrix comprising an infection-inhibiting material selected from the group consisting of a lipid, an antimicrobial agent, and mixtures thereof, wherein a thin layer of the infection-inhibiting material is deposited on the surface of the device. Medical implants which may be treated in the methods of this technology include orthopedic implants. Lipids include long-chain diacylglycerides or triacylglycerides, which may be saturated or unsaturated, such as lecithin or a purified form of phosphatidylcholine. |