Memory and system for injecting gas into a vascular access device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a reservoir and a system for injecting a gas into a vascular access device. The system for injecting a gas into a vascular access device can include a catheter interface that can include a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end. The system can also include a connector disposed on an outer surface of the catheter interface. The connector can be configured to couple to the reservoir. The reservoir can include a housing that can include an opening and an impermeable wall. The opening can be configured to couple to the connector of the catheter interface. The reservoir can also include molecular precursors of a gaseous agent suspended in a hydrogel and disposed within the housing. The gaseous agent can be antimicrobial, antithrombotic, or both antimicrobial and antithrombotic.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to medical devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a reservoir and a system for injecting a gas into a vascular access device. Background Art

[0002] When using a vascular access device, catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) can be a common complication. Vascular access device infections that result in CRBSIs can be caused by the inability to regularly clean the vascular access device, non-sterile insertion techniques, or pathogens entering the fluid flow path through either end of the fluid flow path after the vascular access device is inserted. Studies have shown that the risk of CRBSI increases with the length of catheter dwell time. When a vascular access device is contaminated, pathogens attach to the vascular access device, colonize, and form a biofilm. Biofilms are resistant to most biocides and provide a supplementary source for pathogens to enter the patient's bloodstream and cause infection.

[0003] Antimicrobial or antithrombotic agents have been incorporated into coatings applied to the surface of vascular access devices. These coatings can be difficult or expensive to apply to vascular access devices. Another problem with coatings is that they increase the manufacturing cost of vascular access devices and require a relatively long time for the solvent to evaporate or the coating to harden. In addition, the antimicrobial or antithrombotic activity of the coating decreases during the dwell period, thereby reducing the efficacy of the antimicrobial or antithrombotic agent. Therefore, there is a need in the art for improved measures for providing antimicrobial and antithrombotic capabilities to various types of medical devices, particularly those related to infusion therapy.

[0004] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or operate only in environments such as those described above. On the contrary, this background art is provided only to illustrate an exemplary technical field in which some embodiments described herein may be practiced. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure generally relates to a reservoir for containing molecular precursors of gaseous agents suspended in a hydrogel disposed within a housing, and related systems and methods, wherein the gaseous agent has antimicrobial or antithrombotic properties. In some embodiments, the reservoir may include a housing having an opening and an airtight wall. The opening may be configured to couple to a vascular access device. In some embodiments, the reservoir may further include molecular precursors of a gaseous agent, which may be suspended in the hydrogel and disposed within the housing. In some embodiments, the gaseous agent may be antimicrobial, antithrombotic, or both antimicrobial and antithrombotic.

[0006] In some embodiments, the opening of the housing may further include a membrane. In some embodiments, the membrane can be breathable and hydrophobic. In some embodiments, the housing may further include a removable or pierceable seal covering the opening. In some embodiments, the molecular precursor of the gaseous agent can be S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine, S-nitrosoglutathione, sodium nitroprusside, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the gaseous agent can be nitric oxide.

[0007] In some embodiments, the housing of the reservoir can include a breathable separator that divides the housing into a first chamber and a second chamber. In some embodiments, the first chamber can include a molecular precursor of the gaseous agent suspended in a hydrogel, and the second chamber can include a catalyst for the molecular precursor to release the gaseous agent. In some embodiments, the second chamber can include a catalyst within the housing. In some embodiments, the catalyst can be water or saline. In some embodiments, the catalyst can further include a metal catalyst. In some embodiments, the second chamber can be separated from the hydrogel by a pierceable impermeable membrane.

[0008] In some embodiments, the housing of the reservoir can include an upper housing and a lower housing. In some embodiments, both the upper housing and the lower housing can include airtight walls. In some embodiments, the lower housing may further include the opening, and the upper housing can be configured to be coupled to the lower housing.

[0009] In some embodiments, the housing may further include a piercing mechanism that pierces the impermeable membrane when the reservoir is coupled to the vascular access device to catalyze the gaseous agent generated from the molecular precursor. In some embodiments, the reservoir can include a core passing through the housing.

[0010] In some embodiments, a system for injecting a gas into a vascular access device can include a catheter interface. In some embodiments, the catheter interface can include a distal end, a proximal end, and one or more lumens extending between the distal end and the proximal end. In some embodiments, the catheter interface can include a connector disposed on an outer surface of the catheter interface. In some embodiments, the connector can be configured to be coupled to the reservoir and allow the gaseous agent to pass from the reservoir into the one or more lumens. In some embodiments, the reservoir includes a housing and a molecular precursor of the gaseous agent suspended in a hydrogel disposed within the housing. In some embodiments, the gaseous agent can permeate through the connector and enter the one or more lumens. In some embodiments, the gaseous agent can provide antimicrobial or antithrombotic protection, or both antimicrobial and antithrombotic protection, to the surface of the catheter interface.

[0011] In some embodiments, a system for injecting a gas into a vascular access device may include a fluid path in fluid communication between a reservoir and the one or more lumens. In some embodiments, the connector may be a luer connector or a molded engagement fitting. In some embodiments, the housing of the reservoir may be mechanically coupled to the catheter adapter in an interference fit manner. In some embodiments, the connector may further include a recessed protrusion mechanism. In some embodiments, the opening of the housing may include a seal, and when the connector is coupled to the reservoir, the recessed protrusion mechanism may pierce the seal. In some embodiments, the connector may include a breathable and hydrophobic membrane.

[0012] In some embodiments, a system for injecting a gas into a vascular access device may include a stabilization device configured to couple to the vascular access device and the reservoir. In some embodiments, the reservoir may include a housing and a molecular precursor of a gaseous agent suspended in a hydrogel disposed within the housing. In some embodiments, the stabilization device may further include an adhesive pad such that the stabilization device anchors the vascular access device to the insertion site. In some embodiments, the vascular access device may include a connector disposed on an outer surface. In some embodiments, the connector may be a molded engagement fitting such that the opening of the housing is coupled to the catheter interface in an interference fit manner.

[0013] It should be understood that the foregoing summary and the following detailed description are both exemplary and explanatory and do not limit the claimed disclosure. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and means shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that, unless so protected, these embodiments may be combined, or other embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, the following detailed description should not be considered restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] By using the drawings, example embodiments will be described and explained with additional features and details, wherein:

[0015] Figure 1A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary reservoir according to some embodiments;

[0016] Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary reservoir according to some embodiments;

[0017] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary reservoir according to some embodiments;

[0018] Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary reservoir according to some embodiments;

[0019] Figure 2CCross-sectional view of another exemplary reservoir according to some embodiments;

[0020] Figure 2D Cross-sectional view of another exemplary reservoir according to some embodiments;

[0021] Figure 2E Cross-sectional view of another exemplary reservoir according to some embodiments;

[0022] Figure 2F Cross-sectional view of another exemplary reservoir according to some embodiments;

[0023] Figure 3A Top view of a vascular access device according to some embodiments;

[0024] Figure 3B According to some embodiments Figure 3A Cross-sectional view of the vascular access device;

[0025] Figure 4A Side view of a vascular access device and a reservoir according to some embodiments;

[0026] Figure 4B According to some embodiments Figure 4A Cross-sectional view of the vascular access device;

[0027] Figure 4C Side view of another exemplary vascular access device according to some embodiments;

[0028] Figure 4D Cross-sectional view of another exemplary reservoir according to some embodiments;

[0029] Figure 4E Side view of another exemplary vascular access device according to some embodiments;

[0030] Figure 5A Upper perspective view of an exemplary stabilization device according to some embodiments;

[0031] Figure 5B According to some embodiments Figure 5A Cross-sectional view of the stabilization device. Detailed Description

[0032] Now refer to Figure 1A - 1B, in some embodiments, reservoir 10 may include a housing 12, and housing 12 may include an opening 14 and an airtight wall 16. In some embodiments, opening 14 may be configured to couple to a vascular access device. In some embodiments, reservoir 10 may include a molecular precursor 18 of a gaseous agent 20 suspended in a hydrogel 22. In some embodiments, hydrogel 22 may be disposed within housing 12. In some embodiments, gaseous agent 20 may be antimicrobial, antithrombotic, or both antimicrobial and antithrombotic.

[0033] In some embodiments, opening 14 may include a membrane 24. In some embodiments, membrane 24 may retain hydrogel 22 within housing 12. In some embodiments, membrane 24 may be hydrophobic. In some embodiments, membrane 24 may be gas permeable. In some embodiments, gaseous agent 20 may pass through membrane 24 while hydrogel 22 is retained within housing 12. In some embodiments, membrane 24 may be composed of silicone. In some embodiments, membrane 24 may be a polyester copolymer. In other embodiments, membrane 24 may be a fluorinated polymer. In other embodiments, membrane 24 may be composed of any suitable material known in the art that is hydrophobic and gas permeable.

[0034] In some embodiments, gaseous agent 20 may be nitric oxide. In some embodiments, gaseous agent 20 may be any other gas that exhibits antimicrobial and / or antithrombotic properties. In some embodiments, molecular precursor 18 may be S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), S-nitrosoglutathione, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, molecular precursor 18 may be any precursor of a gaseous agent that can be suspended in hydrogel 22 or any other suitable antimicrobial or antithrombotic agent delivery system known in the art. In some embodiments, hydrogel 22 may be polyethylene glycol (PEG). In other embodiments, hydrogel 22 may be alginic acid or other suitable hydrogel.

[0035] In some embodiments, housing 12 may be cylindrical. In some embodiments, airtight wall 16 may be impermeable to gaseous agent 20. In some embodiments, airtight wall 16 is impermeable to molecular precursor 18 and hydrogel 22. In some embodiments, airtight wall 16 may be made of high-hardness polyurethane. In some embodiments, airtight wall 16 may be polyester, high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or any suitable plastic or material known in the art. In some embodiments, airtight wall 16 may be spherical, cubic, or other geometric shapes.

[0036] In some embodiments, the membrane 24 can be mechanically coupled to the inner wall of the gas-impermeable wall 16. In some embodiments, the membrane 24 can be coupled to the gas-impermeable wall with an adhesive. In some embodiments, the housing 12 can further include a seal 26 that covers the opening 14. In some embodiments, the seal 26 can protect the membrane from puncture or exposure. In some embodiments, the seal 26 can be removable and / or pierceable. In some embodiments, the seal 26 can be impermeable to any type of gas or fluid. In some embodiments, the seal 26 can be a foil, plastic, or any suitable seal known in the art. In some embodiments, the seal 26 can be coupled to the housing 12 using an adhesive or any other suitable attachment method.

[0037] In some embodiments, the reservoir 10 can further include a separator 28 that can be gas-permeable. In some embodiments, the separator 28 can divide the housing 12 into a first chamber 30 and a second chamber 32. In some embodiments, the first chamber 30 can include the molecular precursor 18 suspended in the hydrogel 22, and the second chamber 32 can include a catalyst for the molecular precursor 18. In some embodiments, the separator 28 can separate the housing 12 such that the first chamber 30 and the second chamber 32 have approximately the same size. In some embodiments, the second chamber 32 can be adjacent to the opening 14. In some embodiments, the separator 28 can separate the housing 12 such that the first chamber 30 has a larger size than the second chamber 32. In some embodiments, the separator 28 can separate the reservoir 10 such that both the first chamber 30 and the second chamber 32 are close to the opening 14 and / or the membrane 24.

[0038] Now referring Figure 2A - 2E , in some embodiments, the second chamber 32 can be separated from the first chamber 30 by a pierceable water-impermeable membrane 34. In some embodiments, the second chamber 32 can be a thin film of water or brine in the housing 12. In some embodiments, the second chamber 32 can include a water-soluble catalyst 36.

[0039] In some embodiments, the catalyst 36 for the molecular precursor 18 can include pure water, deoxygenated water, deionized water, or ionized water. In other embodiments, the catalyst 36 can include an aqueous buffer solution. In some embodiments, the catalyst 36 can be metallic. In some embodiments, the catalyst 36 can include an aqueous solution having catalyst ions or elements therein. In some embodiments, the catalyst 36 can be ionic or can include elements such as copper, iron, zinc, selenium, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the aqueous buffer solution can be any suitable solution known in the art.

[0040] In some embodiments, water or an aqueous solution can trigger the release of nitric oxide from molecular precursor 18. In some embodiments, SNAP, SNP, S-nitrosoglutathione, and other nitrosating agents can undergo spontaneous denitrosation reactions or nitric oxide-providing reactions in an aqueous solution. In some embodiments, SNP can be readily soluble in water and / or a buffer solution and releases nitric oxide in the presence of water. In some embodiments, reservoir 10 can continuously release gaseous agent 20.

[0041] In some embodiments, housing 12 can include piercing mechanism 38. In some embodiments, piercing mechanism 38 can be configured to pierce a pierceable impermeable membrane 34. In some embodiments, when the pierceable impermeable membrane 34 is pierced, molecular precursor 18 can be wetted and gaseous agent 20 can be released from hydrogel 22. In some embodiments, when reservoir 10 is coupled to a vascular access device, piercing mechanism 38 can pierce impermeable membrane 34.

[0042] In some embodiments, piercing mechanism 38 can include tip 40. In some embodiments, when tip 40 contacts pierceable impermeable membrane 34, water and / or a buffer solution can pass through pierceable impermeable membrane 34 to hydrate hydrogel 22. In some embodiments, piercing mechanism 38 can be coupled to housing 12. In some embodiments, piercing mechanism 38 can extend to or beyond the outer surface of housing 12. Piercing mechanism 38 can extend through membrane 24. In some embodiments, piercing mechanism 38 can extend externally to airtight wall 16. In some embodiments, by pushing the portion of piercing mechanism 38 that extends to or beyond the outer surface of housing 12, tip 40 pierces pierceable impermeable membrane 34. In some embodiments, piercing mechanism 38 can be pushed by coupling reservoir 10 to a vascular access device. In some embodiments, piercing mechanism 38 can be pressed by a user such as a clinician.

[0043] Referring Figure 2C - 2E , in some embodiments, housing 12 can include two separable parts, namely upper housing 42 and lower housing 44. In some embodiments, upper housing 42 and lower housing 44 can include airtight wall 16. In some embodiments, lower housing 44 can include opening 14. In some embodiments, upper housing 42 can be configured to couple to lower housing 44.

[0044] In some embodiments, upper housing 42 can include first chamber 30. In other embodiments, upper housing 42 can include second chamber 32. In some embodiments, upper housing 42 can include both first chamber 30 and second chamber 32. Second chamber 32. In some embodiments, upper housing 42 can include piercing mechanism 38.

[0045] In some embodiments, the lower housing 44 may include a first chamber 30. In other embodiments, the lower housing 44 may include a second chamber 32. In some embodiments, the lower housing 44 may include both the first chamber 30 and the second chamber 32. In some embodiments, the lower housing 44 may include a piercing mechanism 38. In some embodiments, the piercing mechanism 38 may be conical. In some embodiments, the piercing mechanism 38 may be integrated into the upper housing 42 or the lower housing 44 and may pierce the impermeable membrane 34 when the reservoir 10 is coupled to the vascular access device.

[0046] In some embodiments, the upper housing 42 and the lower housing 44 may be constructed of the same material. In some embodiments, both the upper housing 42 and the lower housing 44 may be made of polyurethane with high hardness. In some embodiments, the polyurethane with high hardness may prevent the gaseous agent 20 from diffusing or flowing out of the airtight wall 16. In some embodiments, the upper housing 42 may be constructed of a material having a greater hardness than the lower housing 44. In other embodiments, the hardness of the lower housing 44 may be greater than the hardness of the upper housing 42.

[0047] In some embodiments, the upper housing 42 and the lower housing 44 may have the same dimensions. In some embodiments, the upper housing 42 and the lower housing 44 may be of the same volume and / or length. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the upper housing 42 or the lower housing 44 may be different. In some embodiments, the length of the first chamber 30 including the molecular precursor 18 suspended in the hydrogel 22 may be longer than the length of the second chamber 32 including the catalyst for the molecular precursor 18. In some embodiments, the longer length of the first chamber 30 may prevent the piercing mechanism 38 from accidentally piercing the membrane 24.

[0048] In some embodiments, the upper housing 42 and the lower housing 44 may be coupled together with a clamping mechanism 46. In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism 46 may include teeth 48 and a clip 50, the teeth 48 and the clip 50 being coupled together and holding the upper housing 42 in connection with the lower housing 44. In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism 46 may have a plurality of teeth 48 such that the upper housing 42 and the lower housing 44 may be coupled together in a ratchet manner such that the piercing mechanism 38 pierces the impermeable membrane 34 when the upper housing 42 and the lower housing 44 are pushed together.

[0049] In some embodiments, the reservoir 10 may include a safety mechanism 52 that may prevent the piercing mechanism 38 from inadvertently piercing the impermeable membrane 34. In some embodiments, the safety mechanism 52 may be a cylindrical spacer between the upper housing 42 and the lower housing 44. In some embodiments, the safety mechanism 52 may be removable such that the safety mechanism 52 may be removed and discarded before the reservoir 10 is coupled to the vascular access device. In some embodiments, the safety mechanism 52 may be compressible.

[0050] Now refer to Figure 2F ,in some embodiments, the reservoir 10 may include a wick 54. In some embodiments, the wick 54 may be a water transport or solution transport device that enables water and / or an aqueous solution to be transported into the housing 12 to moisten the hydrogel 22. In some embodiments, the wick 54 may extend through the membrane 24 or the gas-impermeable wall 16. In some embodiments, the wick 54 may be configured to be moistened when the reservoir is coupled to the vascular access device. In some embodiments, the wick 54 may be constructed of synthetic fibers. In some embodiments, the wick 54 may be constructed of polyester. In other embodiments, the wick 54 may be composed of cotton, other natural fibers, or any other suitable wick material.

[0051] Now refer to Figure 3A - 3B ,in some embodiments, the system 56 for injecting a gas into the vascular access device 58 may include a catheter interface 60. In some embodiments, the catheter interface 60 may include a distal end 62, a proximal end 64, and one or more lumens 66 extending between the distal end 62 and the proximal end 64. In some embodiments, the catheter interface 60 may include a catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter interface 60 may include any suitable vascular access device 58.

[0052] In some embodiments, the system 56 may include a connector 68 disposed on the outer surface 70 of the catheter interface 60. In some embodiments, the connector 68 may be configured to couple to the reservoir 10. In some embodiments, the gaseous agent 20 may permeate through the connector 68 and into one or more lumens 66. The one or more lumens 66 may include at least one inner surface 72 of the catheter interface 60. In some embodiments, the gaseous agent 20 may provide antimicrobial, antithrombotic, or antimicrobial and antithrombotic protection to the outer surface 70 and / or the inner surface 72 of the catheter interface 60. In some embodiments, the gaseous agent 20 may provide antimicrobial and / or antithrombotic protection to the outer surface 70 by diffusing through the catheter interface 60. In some embodiments, the reservoir 10 may be removed from the connector 68 and replaced after the molecular precursor 18 has been depleted. Thus, the reservoir 10 is renewable or replaceable as needed to provide antimicrobial and / or antithrombotic protection to the inner surface 72 and / or the outer surface 70 of the catheter interface 60.

[0053] Now refer to Figure 4A - 4B, in some embodiments, the connector 68 can be located on the top portion of the catheter interface 60, and the top portion is opposite to the portion of the catheter interface 60 that can contact the patient's skin surface. In some embodiments, the catheter interface 60 can include a fluid path 74 that provides fluid communication between the one or more lumens 66 and the reservoir 10. In some embodiments, the fluid path 74 can be an open path for gases and / or liquids. In some embodiments, the fluid path 74 can be merely breathable. In some embodiments, the connector 68 can include a connector membrane 76. In some embodiments, the connector membrane 76 can be breathable and hydrophobic. In some embodiments, the gaseous agent 20 can permeate through the outer surface 70 of the catheter interface 60.

[0054] In some embodiments, the connector 68 can include a molded engagement fitting 78 that can be coupled to the reservoir 10 in an interference fit manner. In some embodiments, the molded engagement fitting 78 can include an extension fitting 80 that extends from the surface of the catheter interface 60. In some embodiments, the reservoir can engage with the inner surface of the extension fitting 80 in an interference fit manner. In other embodiments, the reservoir 10 can engage with the outer surface of the extension fitting 80 in an interference fit manner. When it may be necessary to remove or replace the reservoir, the extension fitting 80 can provide greater accessibility to the reservoir 10.

[0055] In some embodiments, the molded engagement fitting 78 can include a recessed fitting 82. In some embodiments, the reservoir 10 can engage with the inner surface of the recessed fitting 82 in an interference fit manner. In some embodiments, the recessed fitting 82 can minimize the protrusion of the reservoir 10 from the outer surface 70 of the catheter interface 60. [[ID=,8]]

[0056] Now refer to Figure 4C - 4D , in some embodiments, the connector 68 can be a Luer connector 84. In some embodiments, the connector 68 can include a Luer connector thread 86 that can be coupled to a Luer connector thread included on the outer surface of the airtight wall 16 of the reservoir 10. In some embodiments, the connector 68 can include male or female Luer threads 86. In some embodiments, the Luer connector 84 of the reservoir can facilitate easy access to or replacement of the reservoir when needed.

[0057] Now refer to Figure 4E, in some embodiments, the connector 68 may include a recessed protrusion 88. In some embodiments, the recessed protrusion 88 may extend from a recessed fitting 82 of the catheter interface 60. As described above, the opening 14 of the housing 12 of the reservoir 10 may include a seal 26. In some embodiments, when the reservoir 10 is coupled to the connector 68, the recessed protrusion 88 may pierce the seal 26 such that the gaseous agent 20 can pass from the reservoir 10 through the connector 68 and into the one or more cavities 66. In some embodiments, the recessed protrusion 88 may include a fluid path 74 through the recessed protrusion.

[0058] Now referring Figure 5A - 5B , in some embodiments, a system 90 for injecting a gas into a vascular access device 58 may include a stabilization device 92. In some embodiments, the stabilization device 92 may be configured to be coupled to the vascular access device 58. In some embodiments, the system 90 may include a reservoir 94. In some embodiments, the reservoir 94 may include a housing 96 having an opening 98 and an airtight wall 100. In some embodiments, the opening 98 may be configured to be coupled to the vascular access device 58, and the airtight wall 100 may be configured to be coupled to the stabilization device 92. In some embodiments, the reservoir 94 may include a molecular precursor 18 of the gaseous agent 20. In some embodiments, the molecular precursor 18 may be suspended in a hydrogel 22 disposed within the housing 96. In some embodiments, the stabilization device 92 may be a StatLock stabilization device, which may be purchased from Becton Dickinson and Company and includes the reservoir 94.

[0059] In some embodiments, with respect to one or more of the included features and / or operations, the reservoir 94 may be similar or identical to one or more of the following: Referring Figure 1A - 1B , Figure 2A - 2C , and Figure 4A - 4E the reservoir 10 discussed.

[0060] In some embodiments, the stabilization device 92 may include an adhesive pad 102 and a retainer 104. In some embodiments, the retainer 104 may be coupled to the adhesive pad 102, and the adhesive pad 102 may be fixed or anchored to the insertion site on the patient's skin. In some embodiments, the adhesive pad 102 may be fixed by an adhesive disposed on the bottom surface of the adhesive pad 102. In some embodiments, the retainer 104 may be configured to receive the vascular access device 58 and hold it in place. In some embodiments, the retainer 104 may be configured to be coupled to the reservoir 94. In some embodiments, the retainer 104 may include a number of sub-components, including a base 106, a lid 108, and a latch 110 for coupling the retainer 104 to the vascular access device 58.

[0061] In some embodiments, the vascular access device 58 includes a connector 68 disposed on an outer surface 70. In some embodiments, the connector 68 includes a molded engagement fitting 78 such that an opening 98 of the housing 96 can be coupled to the vascular access device 58 in an interference fit manner. In some embodiments, the reservoir 94 can be coupled to the stabilizing device 92 in an interference fit manner. In some embodiments, the reservoir 94 can be removed from and replaced on the stabilizing device 92. In other embodiments, the reservoir 94 can be coupled to the stabilizing device 92 using an adhesive or glue.

[0062] In some embodiments, a base 106 of the retainer 104 couples the retainer 104 to the adhesive pad 102. In some embodiments, a cap 108 is coupled to the reservoir 94. In some embodiments, the cap 108 can be removed from and replaced on the retainer 104. Thus, the stabilizing device 22 can be maintained when the cap 108 is removed and replaced with another reservoir 94. In some embodiments, a latch 110 can be coupled to the vascular access device 58 in an interference fit manner. In some embodiments, the reservoir 94 can serve as the latch 110 since the reservoir 94 can be coupled to the vascular access device 58 in an interference fit manner.

[0063] In some embodiments, the opening 98 can include a membrane 112. In some embodiments, the membrane 112 can be similar or identical to one or more of the following in terms of one or more of the included features and / or operations: Refer to Figure 1A - 1B , Figure 2C and Figure 3A - 3B the membrane 24 discussed.

[0064] All of the examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventor to further the art, and are to be construed as not being limited to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A memory, characterized in that, The reservoir comprises: a housing, the housing including an opening and an air-impermeable wall, wherein the opening is configured to be coupled to a vascular access device; and molecular precursors of a gaseous agent suspended in a hydrogel disposed within the housing, wherein the gaseous agent is antimicrobial, antithrombotic, or both antimicrobial and antithrombotic, wherein the opening further includes a membrane, and wherein the membrane of the opening is air-permeable and hydrophobic.

2. The memory according to claim 1, wherein The gaseous agent is nitric oxide.

3. The memory according to claim 1, wherein The molecular precursors of the gaseous agent are selected from S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine, S-nitrosoglutathione, sodium nitroprusside, or combinations thereof.

4. The memory according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing further includes a gas-permeable partition separating the housing into a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein the first chamber includes molecular precursors of a gaseous agent suspended in the hydrogel, the second chamber includes a catalyst for the molecular precursors, and wherein the second chamber is separated from the first chamber by a pierceable and impervious membrane.

5. The memory according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing includes an upper housing and a lower housing, wherein the upper housing and the lower housing include air-impermeable walls, and the lower housing further includes the opening, and wherein the upper housing is configured to be coupled to the lower housing.

6. The memory according to claim 4, wherein The housing further includes a piercing mechanism, wherein when the reservoir is coupled to the vascular access device, the piercing mechanism pierces the impervious membrane.

7. The memory according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing further includes a removable or pierceable seal covering the opening.

8. The memory according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reservoir further includes a core passing through the housing.

9. A system for injecting a gas into a vascular access device, characterized in that, The system comprises: a catheter interface, wherein the catheter interface includes a distal end, a proximal end, and one or more lumens extending between the distal end and the proximal end; and a connector disposed on an outer surface of the catheter interface, wherein the connector is configured to be coupled to a reservoir and to permit a gaseous agent to pass from the reservoir into the one or more lumens, and wherein the reservoir comprises: a housing, the housing including an opening and an impermeable wall, wherein the opening is configured to be coupled to the connector of the catheter interface; and molecular precursors of a gaseous agent suspended in a hydrogel disposed within the housing, wherein the gaseous agent is antimicrobial, antithrombotic, or both antimicrobial and antithrombotic, wherein the opening further includes a membrane, and wherein the membrane of the opening is air-permeable and hydrophobic.

10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that The gaseous agent permeates through the connector and into the lumen, and the gaseous agent provides antimicrobial, antithrombotic, or both antimicrobial and antithrombotic protection to at least one surface of the catheter interface.

11. The system according to claim 9, wherein The system further includes a fluid path in fluid communication between the reservoir and the lumen.

12. The system according to claim 9, wherein The connector is a Luer connector or a molded engagement fitting such that the housing of the reservoir is mechanically coupled to a catheter adapter in an interference fit.

13. The system according to claim 9, wherein The connector further includes a recessed protrusion, and the opening of the housing further includes a seal, wherein when the connector is coupled to the reservoir, the recessed protrusion pierces the seal.

14. The system according to claim 9, wherein The connector further includes a membrane, and the membrane of the connector is air-permeable and hydrophobic.

15. A system for injecting a gas into a vascular access device, characterized in that, The system comprises: A stabilization device configured to be coupled to the vascular access device; and A reservoir, the reservoir comprising: A housing including an opening and an airtight wall, wherein the opening is configured to be coupled to the vascular access device and the airtight wall is coupled to the stabilization device; and Molecular precursors of a gaseous agent suspended in a hydrogel disposed within the housing, wherein the gaseous agent is antimicrobial, antithrombotic, or both antimicrobial and antithrombotic, and the opening further includes a membrane, wherein the membrane of the opening is air permeable and hydrophobic.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein The stabilization device further includes an adhesive pad such that the stabilization device anchors the vascular access device to the insertion site.

17. The system according to claim 15, wherein The vascular access device further includes a connector disposed on an outer surface, wherein the connector is a molded engagement fitting such that the opening of the housing is coupled to the vascular access device in an interference fit manner.

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