Abstract: An antibacterial fluid may be applied to a tubular medical cannula for access to a patient. The fluid comprises a typically metabolizable antibacterial formulation having a viscosity preferably greater than 150,000 cp. The cannula may then be inserted into the patient with an increased lubricity for a reduction of pain, while at the same time, unlike silicones, preferred materials do not readily accumulate in the patient. The fluid may be placed on the skin. The tubular medical cannula may be a rigid, hollow needle, sharp or blunt, a spike, or a flexible catheter. Also, the viscous antibacterial fluid may be used to lock a catheter or other cannula while implanted in the patient, for storage purposes. The formulation is typically an alcohol plus a viscosity increasing agent and optionally a surfactant, a clotting agent, and/or EDTA.

Abstract: An antibacterial fluid may be applied to a tubular medical cannula for access to a patient. The fluid comprises a typically metabolizable antibacterial formulation having a viscosity of at least about 5,000 cp. The cannula may then be inserted into the patient with an increased lubricity for a reduction of pain, while at the same time, unlike silicones, preferred materials do not readily accumulate in the patient. The tubular medical cannula may be a rigid, hollow needle, sharp or blunt, a spike, or a flexible catheter. Also, the viscous antibacterial fluid may be used to lock a catheter or other cannula while implanted in the patient, for storage purposes. The formulation is typically an alcohol plus a viscosity increasing agent.