Tyrx, a provider of infection control devices, said that it has implanted its AIGISRx device in 10,000 patients in the US. The AIGISRx device is an antibacterial mesh technology that securely holds a pacemaker (PM) or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in place to create a stable environment, while delivering antimicrobial agents.

Tyrx said that the antimicrobial agents have been shown to reduce infections associated with medical devices in multiple randomized controlled trials. AIGISRx products contain antimicrobial agents, rifampin and minocycline, which have been shown to reduce infections by organisms reported in cardiac rhythm device (CRMD) related endocarditis, including ‘superbugs’ or MRSA.

Tyrx estimates that approximately 2% of all US CRMD patients in 2010 will receive an AIGISRx product during their procedure.

Robert White, president and CEO of Tyrx, said: “Reaching this 10,000th AIGISRx implant milestone is a remarkable achievement and a testament to our team who has worked tirelessly and enthusiastically to develop this important technology to address a significant clinical need.

“Approximately one out of 50 patients in the US experiences a major infection problem at a cost of approximately $50,000 per patient. The AIGISRx Antibacterial Envelope provides hospitals and clinicians with a way to improve patient outcomes while reducing the corresponding economic burden.”

Peter Taylor, attending physician of Orlando Health at Orlando Florida, said: “The number of patients with serious CIED-related infections in the US continues to increase out of proportion to the increase in implantation rates. And with major infection rates of 3% to 4% being commonly seen, there is a need for a locally-delivered therapy to help prevent these infections. I began to utilize the antibacterial envelope in 2009 and have found it to be very effective for CIED infection prophylaxis.”

Tyrx is an ISO 13485:2003 certified medical device manufacturer and its products utilise technology licensed exclusively from Rutgers, Baylor College of Medicine, and The University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center.