Enhanced recovery after surgery has reduced the number and duration of medical catheter placements through perioperative optimization measures. However, in clinical practice, catheters are still inevitably heavily used, and the risk of catheter-related infections persists. Preventing bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on catheter surfaces is crucial. Medical antibacterial-coated catheters introduce substances that prevent fouling and adhesion, inhibit or kill bacteria on the surface, forming an antibacterial functional surface, providing a new strategy to address catheter-related infections. This article summarizes the current research status of medical antibacterial-coated catheters, introduces the antibacterial strategies and principles of the coatings, describes their actual effects in clinical applications, and analyzes future research directions. These studies help reduce catheter-related infections, promote innovation in clinical nursing technology, and improve the quality and efficiency of nursing care.

Enhanced recovery after surgery has reduced the number and duration of medical catheter placements through perioperative optimization measures. However, in clinical practice, catheters are still inevitably heavily used, and the risk of catheter-related infections persists. Preventing bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on catheter surfaces is crucial. Medical antibacterial-coated catheters introduce substances that prevent fouling and adhesion, inhibit or kill bacteria on the surface, forming an antibacterial functional surface, providing a new strategy to address catheter-related infections. This article summarizes the current research status of medical antibacterial-coated catheters, introduces the antibacterial strategies and principles of the coatings, describes their actual effects in clinical applications, and analyzes future research directions. These studies help reduce catheter-related infections, promote innovation in clinical nursing technology, and improve the quality and efficiency of nursing care.