Article to be inserted in a body cavity having biologically inhibiting surfaces and use and preparation of the article

Abstract

An article to be inserted in a human or animal body cavity, use of the article and preparation thereof. The article has a biologically inhibiting arrangement of electrically connected electrode materials in direct contact with each other on one or more surfaces of the article. The arrangement includes as electrode materials a metallic anode material and a cathode material, where the potential of the cathode material is higher than the potential of the anode material. The cathode material is an electrically conductive material selected among certain non-metallic materials. The arrangement provided on the article releases biological inhibiting ions of the metallic anode material or complexes of such ions when the biologically inhibiting arrangement is contacted with a body fluid. The article can be designed with a controlled release rate suitable for the purpose in question for example an initial high rate of ion release after insertion of a catheter to combat bacteria introduced during the insertion followed by a prolonged release at a lower rate to maintain a low level of bacteria.