Antibiotic-Impregnated Catheters: Buyer Questions Answered

Buyer questions on DESU antibiotic-impregnated catheters, answered: product codes, kit contents and how to tell standard and impregnated versions apart.

Hospital buyers ask much the same questions about DESU antibiotic-impregnated catheters. The short answers: the dimensions match the standard catheter, the antibiotic is impregnated into the material and released in a controlled manner over 28 days, the catheter is orange, and each version has its own product code.

Key takeaways

• Every DESU catheter kit and EVD system has separate standard and antibiotic-impregnated codes.
• In most kit codes an added “A” marks the impregnated version; check the full code, because LACK alone and LACK-ENDS-010 are different products.
• In shunt codes, a leading A means an impregnated valve body and “VACK” means impregnated catheters.
• Shelf life and storage conditions are on the label and in the IFU, and the 28-day release period is a separate thing.

The codes a purchasing team needs are below. For the component-by-component picture, see the DESU product map and what changes between standard and impregnated catheters. The choice to use an impregnated device belongs to the surgeon and the hospital’s protocol, following the instructions for use (IFU).

Which codes cover the antibiotic-impregnated versions?

Each option has its own code, so standard and impregnated products can be priced, ordered and received as separate lines.

One trap in this list: LACK is a lumbar catheter, while LACK-ENDS-010 is a complete drainage system. Copying part of a code into a requisition can order the wrong item, so use the full code.

Can an impregnated catheter be bought without a shunt or EVD set?

Yes. The six catheter kits are supplied without a valve, and EVD catheters are coded independently of the system. A hospital can therefore hold an impregnated ventricular catheter kit or peritoneal catheter kit as its own line, separate from any shunt order.

The EVD catheter range goes beyond the 31 cm catheter in the EVD-010 Series. We also make 1.5 / 3.0 mm catheters at 35 cm and 1.9 / 3.4 mm catheters at 35 cm, both as antibiotic-impregnated versions only. If you need a standard catheter at those sizes, tell us before writing it into a specification.

How do the shunt codes show what is impregnated?

Shunt codes carry the antibiotic configuration inside them. The Defit examples below show the pattern, in which L stands for low pressure:

So a leading A marks an impregnated valve body, “VACK” marks impregnated catheters, and “-ASD” at the end adds an antisiphon device. Depus follows the same logic: DP-L-VACK is a standard low-pressure valve with impregnated catheters, and ADP-A is an adjustable paediatric valve with an impregnated body. Not every combination is coded for every size, so confirm the exact code rather than building one from the pattern.

How can receiving staff tell the versions apart?

Impregnated catheters are orange and standard ones white. That makes a delivery check quick, but it has limits:

• Colour identifies the catheter, not the valve. Whether a valve body is impregnated has to be read from the label.
• The label is the record. Colour is a visual check, while the code and lot details belong in the receiving and implant records.
• Colour is not a substitute for the order line. Compare the delivered code with the code ordered, not only with the shelf.

Does choosing the impregnated version change the kit?

No. The ventricular, peritoneal, lumbar and lumbar drainage catheters have the same inner diameter, outer diameter, length, silicone material and tantalum length marks in both versions. The ventriculoperitoneal kit has the same stylet and right-angled connector, and the lumboperitoneal kit the same 14 G Tuohy needle and guidewire.

One line needs care. In the antibiotic-impregnated lumboperitoneal system, the lumbar catheter is impregnated and the peritoneal catheter is an option, so state the peritoneal version on the order.

What does “28 days” mean on a specification?

The same statement applies across our catheter kits, EVD systems and shunt families: the antibiotic is impregnated into the material and released in a controlled manner over 28 days. Quote it in those words. It describes the release of the antibiotic, and nothing more: it is not a limit on how long a device stays in place, and it is not a claim about results.

Which products have no impregnated version?

The antisiphon device, the straight, L-type and Y-type connectors and the Depus Adjustment Kit have no impregnated version. On EVD systems, the option applies to the catheter, not to the other parts of the system, such as the drainage bag or measuring scale. Dural and bone grafts have no such option.

Talk to a DESU product specialist

For prices, lead times, a code list matched to your tender or the documents your committee needs, write to sales@desu.tr, use the contact page, or request a quote.

Frequently asked questions

Is 28 days the shelf life of the catheter?

No. The 28 days describe the period of controlled antibiotic release, not how long the product can be stored. Shelf life is a separate matter: check the label and the instructions for use.

Are the antibiotic-impregnated catheters CE marked?

Yes. The catheter kits and EVD systems are CE marked and manufactured under ISO 13485. For registration in a specific country, our product specialists can send the current documents.

Is the lumbar drainage catheter available impregnated?

Yes. The 80 cm lumbar drainage catheter has an antibiotic-impregnated version under the code ELACK-1608800, alongside the standard kit, ELCK.

Can one order mix standard and impregnated catheters?

Each version has its own code, so both can appear as separate lines on the same order. Keeping them separate also makes it simpler to check orange and white catheters on arrival.

Related standards

• ISO 13485: Medical devices — Quality management systems
• ISO 10993 series: Biological evaluation of medical devices
• ISO 11135: Sterilization of health-care products — Ethylene oxide