Brazilian patents on prevention of bloodstream infection associated with intravascular devices.

OBJECTIVE

To identify Brazilian patents related to the prevention of bloodstream infections associated with the use of intravascular devices.

METHOD: A documentary, descriptive, and retrospective study was conducted through the analysis of patents filed with the Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) between 2000 and 2024. Information regarding patent applications, filing dates, applicants, titles, International Patent Classification codes, practical applicability, preventive functionality, type of vascular access, and integration with digital technologies was extracted. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Thirty-three eligible patents were identified. Patent filings were concentrated between 2011 and 2015 (45.5%), with a mean processing time of 1,067 days and a predominance of invention patents (90.9%) aimed at direct infection prevention, mainly through infusion devices and antimicrobial materials. Most patents were intended for hospital settings (57.6%). Independent inventors accounted for the majority of filings (93.9%), and patent registrations were geographically concentrated in Southeastern Brazil.

CONCLUSION

Patents aimed at the direct prevention of bloodstream infections through infusion devices and antimicrobial materials were identified, with limited participation of academic and healthcare institutions.