A Comprehensive Review of Progress in Preventing Urinary Infections Associated with the Use of Urinary Catheters: A Dual Analysis of Publications and Patents.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), caused by microbial colonization of catheter surfaces, are among the most common healthcare-associated infections and significantly strain healthcare systems worldwide. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current scientific literature and the patent landscape from 2014 to 2024 on strategies for preventing CAUTIs. A systematic search was conducted using the PRISMA method, which involved searching the Scopus database for scientific evidence and analyzing patent search results on The Lens.org platform. Co-authorship and co-occurrence analysis unveiled key contributors and emerging themes within the scientific community. Simultaneously, an in-depth inspection of patents filed elucidated top origins, applicants, and classifications. Additionally, network analysis based on keywords from papers and patents revealed the scientific scenario and the innovation trends, enriching the understanding of technological advancements. It highlights emerging technologies, key actors, and potential gaps, providing valuable insights for researchers, clinicians, and industry stakeholders, thereby contributing to overcoming barriers to treating CAUTIs.