Disinfecting Methods and Apparatus

Abstract

Light disinfecting systems are provided in which light emanating from an end or side of an optical fiber is used to disinfect a target site. According to one implementation a light beam emanating from an end emitting optical fiber is directed into a body that includes a plurality of optical surfaces that are configured to direct at least a portion of the beam of bacterial disinfecting light to the target site. According to one implementation the plurality of optical surfaces include a first refractive optical surface, a second refractive optical surface and a total reflective surface with the total reflective optical surface being disposed between the first and second refractive optical surfaces in a designated optical pathway of the beam of bacterial disinfecting light.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 853,099 filed Dec. 22, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 852,742 filed Dec. 22, 2017, which is now abandoned.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for disinfecting any of a host of surfaces including those associated medical device insertion sites and superficial wounds of a patient.BACKGROUND[0003]Unwanted and dangerous bacteria growth can occur on devices that are commonly used to treat patients and also around sites in which the devices are inserted into a patient. These devices may include central venous catheters, urinary catheters, ventilators, wound protection devices, laparoscopic surgical devices, etc. Bacterial growth in the wound(s) of a patient is also problematic. Hospital acquired infections account for a substantial yearly expense to hospitals and insurance companies, and are a maj...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]An advantage of using light to kill bacteria is that it is not susceptible to the danger of antimicrobial resistance that can occur with the use of pharmacologic or chemical agents. Another advantage is that there are severe side effects associated with many pharmacologic or chemical agents are avoided.

Problems solved by technology

Unwanted and dangerous bacteria growth can occur on devices that are commonly used to treat patients and also around sites in which the devices are inserted into a patient.

Bacterial growth in the wound(s) of a patient is also problematic.

Hospital acquired infections account for a substantial yearly expense to hospitals and insurance companies, and are a major cause of extending hospital stays for patients.

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