HECOLCAP. One-step treatment of chronic bone infections

Susana Sousa

INEB, Instituto Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica, Spain

Chronic bone infections affect 4 million patients worldwide each year and are associated with diabetic foot ulcers, prosthesis implantation and exposed fractures. Current treatment is based on a minimum of two surgeries, antibiotic treatment and a long hospital stay, plus numerous recurrences of infection, side effects, high costs, as well as a strong impact on the patient including pain and compromised mobility, with prolonged absence from work. It often becomes a “lifelong problem”, with a high risk of uncontrolled infection, often resulting in amputations or septicemia.

HECOLCAP offers an efficient solution, including a single surgery and facilitating the local release of the antibiotic in adequate concentrations, so that it is able to destroy the bacteria within 3 weeks, eradicating the infection. In addition, by applying a biomaterial that simulates the structure of the bone, it promotes bone regeneration at the site of injury.

HECOLCAP greatly improves the quality of life of patients, reducing costs and the period of hospitalization, allowing treatment and recovery at reduced costs, thus making treatment more accessible to larger sectors of the population.