Vygon’s Expert Umbilical neonatal catheter is now being used by around 60 NHS trusts

The Expert Umbilical catheter from Vygon incorporates AgION technology, which releases antimicrobial silver ions onto its internal and external surfaces, offering intraluminal and extraluminal protection against microbes.

AgION helps to protect against colonisation that can lead to infection by a regulated, slow release of silver ions. When AgION antimicrobial is impregnated onto an umbilical catheter, it has been found to decrease the occurrence of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) and result in shorter hospital stays and a lower case fatality rate.

Lisa Gagiano, National Sales Manager at Vygon UK, explains: “As the most common hospital associated infections affecting preterm babies, CRBSIs can lead to serious illness and long-term neurodevelopmental conditions and can be fatal.

“By tackling both intraluminal and extraluminal colonisation, the use of AgION in Expert Umbilical can potentially prevent cases of CRBSI that may otherwise be difficult to avoid. Expert Umbilical joins our ‘golden hour’ portfolio, a range of products specifically created to reduce morbidity and mortality in preterm infants, and we’re very pleased that it is now being introduced in neonatal intensive care units nationwide.”

Expert Umbilical is currently being used by around 60 NHS Trusts, with further uptake expected over the coming year.

To find out more, visit www.vygon.co.uk