Cap for intravenous device port

Abstract

A cap for a port of an intravenous device may include a solid post configured for insertion into the port of an intravenous device. The cap may include an annular collar surrounding the solid post and an annular cavity disposed between the solid post and the annular collar. The cap may include an absorbent material including an antimicrobial solution. The absorbent material may be disposed within the annular cavity such that the absorbent material is compressible. In response to the cap being connected to the port of the intravenous device, the absorbent material may be configured to be compressed to cause the antimicrobial solution to flow onto the port of the intravenous device.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cap for a port on an intravenous device. [Background technology]

[0002] Intravenous devices may use ports to provide rapid access to a patient's vascular system. These ports also allow the intravenous device to remain in the patient's vascular system when access to the vascular system is not needed. When the ports of the intravenous device are not in use, it is desirable to keep the ports clean and free of bacteria and other microorganisms. If the port becomes contaminated with microorganisms while not in use, the microorganisms may be shed into the patient's vascular system as soon as the port is used again to access the patient's vascular system. Therefore, maintaining the sterility of the port is essential to reduce the risk of infection.

[0003] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any shortcomings or that operate only in such environments. Rather, this background is provided only to illustrate one example technology area in which some implementations described herein may be practiced. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to a cap for a port of an intravenous device, and related devices and methods. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a cap that provides both inside and outside the lumen antimicrobial protection. In some embodiments, the cap may include an antimicrobial solution for outside lumen protection and an antimicrobial coating for inside lumen protection. In some embodiments, the cap for a port of an intravenous device may include a solid post configured for insertion into the port of the intravenous device. In some embodiments, the cap may include an annular collar that surrounds the solid post. In some embodiments, the solid post may be inwardly tapered. In some embodiments, the solid post may extend further distally than the annular collar. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In some embodiments, the cap may include an annular cavity disposed between the solid post and the annular collar. In some embodiments, the cap may include an absorbent material that includes an antimicrobial solution. In some embodiments, the absorbent material may be disposed within the annular cavity such that it is compressible. In some embodiments, the absorbent material may be configured to compress in response to the cap being connected to a port of the intravenous device to cause the antimicrobial solution to flow onto the port of the intravenous device.

[0006] In some embodiments, the cap may include an antimicrobial coating disposed on a distal-most surface of the solid post. In some embodiments, the solid post may include an annular step surface, a proximal portion near and proximal to the annular step surface, and a distal portion near and distal to the annular step surface. In some embodiments, the perimeter of the distal portion may be smaller than the perimeter of the proximal portion. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial coating may be disposed on and surround the distal portion. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial coating may be flush with the proximal portion.

[0007] In some embodiments, the annular step surface may be disposed within the annular collar. In some embodiments, the annular step surface may be disposed distally of the annular collar. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial coating disposed on the distal portion may include an outer diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of the proximal portion. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial coating may cover the entire distal-most surface and be flush with the distal end of the solid post.

[0008] In some embodiments, the lid portion may be disposed at a proximal end of the cap. In some embodiments, the annular collar and the solid post may extend from the lid portion. In some embodiments, the lid portion may include a circular disk and close the annular cavity. In some embodiments, the cap may include a cover coupled to the annular collar and covering the antimicrobial coating.

[0009] In some embodiments, the intravenous device may include a port and a cap coupled to the port. In some embodiments, the cap may include a solid post configured to be inserted into the port. In some embodiments, the cap may include an annular collar surrounding the solid post and an annular cavity disposed between the solid post and the annular collar. In some embodiments, the cap may include an absorbent material that includes an antimicrobial solution. In some embodiments, the absorbent material may be disposed within the annular cavity such that the absorbent material is compressible. In some embodiments, the absorbent material may be configured to compress in response to the cap being connected to the port to cause the antimicrobial solution to flow onto the port.

[0010] In some embodiments, the port may include a septum. In some embodiments, in response to the cap being connected to the port, the septum may contact the absorbent material to compress the absorbent material to cause the antimicrobial solution to flow onto the septum. In some embodiments, in response to the cap being connected to the port, the septum may contact the absorbent material to compress the absorbent material to cause the antimicrobial solution to flow onto the septum and an exterior surface of the port.

[0011] In some embodiments, the cap may include an antimicrobial coating disposed on a distal most surface of the solid post. In some embodiments, the intravenous device may include a connector. In some embodiments, a proximal end of the connector may include a port. In some embodiments, the connector may include a cavity distal to the port. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial coating may be disposed within the cavity.

[0012] In some embodiments, the solid post may include an annular step surface, a proximal portion near and proximal to the annular step surface, and a distal portion near and distal to the annular step surface. In some embodiments, the circumference of the distal portion may be smaller than the circumference of the proximal portion. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial coating may be disposed on and surround the distal portion. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial coating may be flush with the proximal portion. In some embodiments, the annular step surface may be disposed distal to the annular collar.

[0013] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory, and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the embodiments may be combined or utilized with other embodiments, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the invention, unless otherwise stated. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be taken in a limiting sense. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] Example embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

[0015] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary connector for an intravenous device. [Figure 1B] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector of an intravenous device. [Figure 2A]FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an exemplary cap, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2B] 2B is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 2A according to some embodiments. [Figure 2C] 2B is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 2A coupled to a connector, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an exemplary cap, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3B] 3B is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 3A according to some embodiments. [Figure 3C] 3B is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 3A coupled to a connector according to some embodiments. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an exemplary cap, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4B] 4B is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 4A according to some embodiments. [Figure 4C] 4B is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 4A coupled to a connector according to some embodiments. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an exemplary cap, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5B] 5B is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 5A according to some embodiments. [Figure 5C] 5B is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 5A coupled to a connector according to some embodiments. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an exemplary cap, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6B] 6B is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 6A according to some embodiments. [Figure 6C] 6B is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 6A coupled to a connector according to some embodiments. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary cover disposed on an exemplary cap, according to some embodiments. [Figure 7B] 7B is a cross-sectional view of a cover on the cap of FIG. 7A according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] 1A-1B, in some embodiments, a connector 10 of an intravenous device may include a proximal end 12 and a distal end 14. As used in this disclosure, the term "distal" refers to the portion further from the user and the term "proximal" refers to the portion closer to the user. FIGS. 1A-1B show an example of a connector 10. However, it is understood that in some embodiments, the connector 10 may include any suitable needle-free connector of an intravenous device. In some embodiments, the distal end 14 may include a male luer 15 and / or a collar 16 surrounding the male luer 15. In some embodiments, the proximal end 12 may include a port 18, which may be threaded. In some examples, the port 18 may include a female luer.

[0017] In some embodiments, the port 18 may include a septum 20 therethrough that seals the interior of the connector 10 from the outside environment. In some embodiments, the lumen 21 of the connector 10 that extends through the proximal and distal ends 12, 14 may include a cavity 22 distal to the port 18. In some embodiments, the cavity 22 may be wider than the male luer 15. In some embodiments, the intravenous device may include a catheter assembly that may be coupled to the connector 10.

[0018] 2A-2C, in some embodiments, a cap 30 for a port 18 of an intravenous device or other similar port may include a solid post 32 configured to be inserted into the port 18. In some embodiments, the cap 30 may include an annular collar 36 that surrounds the solid post 32. In some embodiments, the annular collar 36 may include threads such that the annular collar 36 is configured to be screwed into the port 18. In some embodiments, the annular collar 36 may not include threads and may be configured to be a slip fit with the port 18.

[0019] In some embodiments, the cap 30 may include an annular cavity 38 disposed between the solid post 32 and the annular collar 36. In some embodiments, the cap 30 may include an absorbent material 40 that includes an antimicrobial solution. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial solution may include chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), alcohol, or other suitable antimicrobial solutions. In some embodiments, the absorbent material 40 may be disposed within the annular cavity 38 such that the absorbent material 40 is compressible. In some embodiments, the absorbent material 40 may be annular. FIG. 2B illustrates an uncompressed absorbent material 40 according to some embodiments. FIG. 2C illustrates a compressed absorbent material 40 when the connector 10 is capped according to some embodiments.

[0020] In some embodiments, in response to the cap 30 being connected to the port 18, the septum 20 or another portion of the connector 10 may contact the absorbent material 40 to compress the absorbent material 40 to cause the antimicrobial solution to flow onto the septum 20. In some embodiments, only the septum 20 of the connector 10 may contact the absorbent material 40 to compress the absorbent material 40. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial solution may flow to an extraluminal portion of the septum 20 outside the lumen 21 to provide antimicrobial protection. In some embodiments, in response to the cap 30 being connected to the port 18, the septum 20 may contact the absorbent material 40 to compress the absorbent material 40 to cause the antimicrobial solution to flow onto the exterior surface of the septum 20 and / or the port 18. In these and other embodiments, the antimicrobial solution may flow distally through a space between the septum 20 and the interior surface of the port 18, for example, as shown in FIG. 2C.

[0021] In some embodiments, the solid post 32 may be inwardly tapered, such as the exterior surface of a male luer taper. In some embodiments, the solid post 32 may be inwardly tapered in the distal direction along all or a portion of the length of the solid post 32 to facilitate insertion of the solid post 32 through the septum 20. In these embodiments, the solid post 32 may be frusto-conical in shape. In some embodiments, the solid post 32 may be cylindrical in shape.

[0022] In some embodiments, the cap 30 may include an antimicrobial coating 42 disposed on the distal-most surface 44 of the solid post 32. In some embodiments, the cap 30 may provide in-lumen and / or extra-lumen antimicrobial protection. In some embodiments, the cap 30 may include an antimicrobial solution for extra-lumen protection and only an antimicrobial coating 42 for in-lumen protection. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial coating 42 may be configured to elute an antimicrobial agent in response to contact with a catheter lock solution disposed within the lumen 21 and cavity 22. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial coating 42 may include chlorhexidine acetate (CHA), silver, a combination of CHA and silver, or other suitable antimicrobial coating.

[0023] In some embodiments, a cylindrical or slightly tapered solid post 32 may facilitate a larger distal-most surface 44 to accommodate more of the antimicrobial coating 42. In some embodiments, the solid post 32 may extend further distally than the annular collar 36, which may facilitate disposing the antimicrobial coating 42 deeper within the lumen 21, such as within the cavity 22. In some embodiments, the distal-most surface 44 may be flat or nearly flat.

[0024] In some embodiments, the solid post 32 may include an annular step surface 46, a proximal portion 48 near and proximal to the annular step surface 46, and a distal portion 50 near and distal to the annular step surface. In some embodiments, the distal portion may be proximate the distal-most surface 44. In some embodiments, the circumference of the distal portion 50 may be smaller than the circumference of the proximal portion 48. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial coating 42 may be disposed on and surround the distal portion 50.

[0025] In some embodiments, the annular step surface 46 may make the antimicrobial coating 42 flush with the proximal portion 48. In these embodiments, the antimicrobial coating 42 may not increase the outer diameter of the solid post 32 and therefore may not affect the cylindrical surface or male luer taper of the solid post 32. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial coating 42 may maintain the same angle as the distal portion 50. In some embodiments, the annular step surface 46 may be located distal to the annular collar 36 such that the antimicrobial coating 42 may be concentrated distally within the lumen 21 and the antimicrobial coating 42 may come into greater contact with the catheter lock solution. In some embodiments, the annular step surface 46 may allow the antimicrobial coating 42 to extend annularly around the solid post 32, increasing the length of the antimicrobial coating 42 along the solid post 32 without increasing the outer diameter of the solid post 32.

[0026] In some embodiments, the lid portion 52 may be disposed at a proximal end 54 of the cap 30. In some embodiments, the annular collar 36 and the solid post 32 may extend distally from the lid portion 52. In some embodiments, the lid portion 52 may include a circular disc and / or close the annular cavity 38. In some embodiments, the absorbent material 40 may contact the lid portion 52 and may be configured to be compressed toward the lid portion 52.

[0027] 3A-3C, in some embodiments, the antimicrobial coating 42 may cover the entirety of the distal-most surface 44 and may be flush with the distal end 56 of the solid post 32. In these embodiments, the antimicrobial coating 42 may not increase the outer diameter of the solid post 32 and therefore may not affect the cylindrical surface or male luer taper of the solid post 32. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial coating 42 may maintain the same angle as the distal end 56. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial coating 42 covering the entirety of the distal-most surface 44 may increase the amount of antimicrobial coating 42 present within the lumen 21 to provide antimicrobial protection. FIG. 3B illustrates an uncompressed absorbent material 40, according to some embodiments. FIG. 3C illustrates a compressed absorbent material 40 when the connector 10 is capped, according to some embodiments.

[0028] 4A-4C, in some embodiments, the antimicrobial coating 42 disposed on the distal-most surface 44 may include an outer diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the distal-most surface 44, forming an annular step between the distal-most surface 44 and the antimicrobial coating 42. In some embodiments, an outer diameter of the antimicrobial coating 42 that is smaller than the outer diameter of the distal-most surface 44 may facilitate the antimicrobial coating 42 extending further into the connector 10, which may be narrower. In some embodiments, the connector 10 may include a cavity 22 distal to the port. FIG. 4B illustrates the absorbent material 40 in an uncompressed state, according to some embodiments. FIG. 4C illustrates the absorbent material 40 in a compressed state when the connector 10 is capped, according to some embodiments.

[0029] 5A-5C, in some embodiments, the antimicrobial coating 42 disposed on the distal portion 50 may include an outer diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of the proximal portion 48, forming an annular step between the distal portion 50 and the antimicrobial coating 42. In some embodiments, an outer diameter of the antimicrobial coating 42 that is smaller than an outer diameter of the proximal portion 48 may facilitate the antimicrobial coating 42 extending further into the connector 10, which may be narrower. FIG. 5B illustrates the absorbent material 40 in an uncompressed state, according to some embodiments. FIG. 5C illustrates the absorbent material 40 in a compressed state when the connector 10 is capped, according to some embodiments.

[0030] 6A-6C, in some embodiments, the annular step surface 46 may be disposed within the annular collar 36. In these embodiments, the antimicrobial coating 42 may contact the absorbent material 40, which may be soaked in saline or ionized water. In some embodiments, in response to the antimicrobial coating 42 contacting the absorbent material 40 after assembly of the cap 30 (e.g., during sterilization, shipping, and / or storage), the antimicrobial coating 42 may elute an antimicrobial agent to produce an antimicrobial solution that protects the lumen exterior surface of the connector 10 when the connector 10 is capped. FIG. 6B illustrates an uncompressed absorbent material 40, according to some embodiments. FIG. 6C illustrates a compressed absorbent material 40, according to some embodiments, when the connector 10 is capped.

[0031] 7A-7B, in some embodiments, the cap 30 may include a cover 58 that may be coupled to the annular collar 36. In some embodiments, the cover 58 may cover the antimicrobial coating 42. In some embodiments, the cover 58 may seal the cap 30 and prevent evaporation of the antimicrobial solution within the absorbent material 40. In some embodiments, the cover 58 may be attached to a surface of the cap 30, such as the annular collar 36, using a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), a mechanical snap feature, or other suitable means. In some embodiments, a user may remove the cover 58 from the remainder of the cap 30 before coupling or capping the cap 30 to the connector 10. In some embodiments, the cover 58 may include a tab 60 that may facilitate peeling the cover 58 off by a user. It is understood that the cover 58 may be used with any of the embodiments of the cap 30 of FIGS. 2-6. Further, it will be understood that one or more of the embodiments of Figures 2-6 may be combined such that a particular embodiment may include similarities with respect to one or more components and / or operations to one or more other embodiments.

[0032] All examples and conditional statements cited in this specification are intended for educational purposes to help the reader understand the invention and the concepts to which the inventor has contributed to the development of the technology, and should not be construed as being limited to such specifically cited 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 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. 1. A cap for a port on an intravenous device, said cap comprising: a solid post configured to be inserted into a port of an intravenous device; an annular collar surrounding the solid post; an annular cavity disposed between the solid post and the annular collar; an absorbent material containing an antimicrobial solution, the absorbent material being disposed within the annular cavity such that the absorbent material is compressible; Equipped with A cap configured such that in response to the cap being connected to the port of the intravenous device, the absorbent material is compressed to cause the antimicrobial solution to flow onto the port of the intravenous device.

2. The cap of claim 1 , wherein the solid post is inwardly tapered.

3. The cap of claim 1 , wherein the solid post extends distally beyond the annular collar.

4. The cap of claim 1 , further comprising an antimicrobial coating disposed on a distal-most surface of the solid post.

5. 5. The cap of claim 4, wherein the solid post comprises an annular step surface, a proximal portion adjacent and proximal to the annular step surface, and a distal portion adjacent and distal to the annular step surface, the distal portion having an outer periphery smaller than an outer periphery of the proximal portion, and the antimicrobial coating is disposed on and surrounds the distal portion.

6. The cap of claim 5 , wherein the antimicrobial coating is flush with the proximal portion.

7. The cap of claim 5 , wherein the annular stepped surface is disposed within the annular collar.

8. The cap of claim 5 , wherein the annular step surface is disposed distally of the annular collar.

9. The cap of claim 5 , wherein the antimicrobial coating disposed on the distal portion has an outer diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of the proximal portion.

10. The cap of claim 4 , wherein the antimicrobial coating covers the entire distal-most surface and is flush with the distal end of the solid post.

11. 10. The cap of claim 1, further comprising a lid portion disposed at a proximal end of the cap, the annular collar and the solid post extending from the lid portion, the lid portion comprising a circular disk and closing the annular cavity.

12. The cap of claim 4 , further comprising a cover coupled to the annular collar and covering the antimicrobial coating.

13. Intravenous devices include Ports and a cap connected to the port, the cap comprising: a solid post configured to be inserted into a port of the intravenous device; an annular collar surrounding the solid post; an annular cavity disposed between the solid post and an annular collar; an absorbent material containing an antimicrobial solution, the absorbent material being disposed within the annular cavity such that the absorbent material is compressible; An intravenous device, wherein the absorbent material is configured to be compressed to force an antimicrobial solution onto the port in response to the cap being connected to the port.

14. 14. The intravenous device of claim 13, wherein the port includes a septum, the septum contacting the absorbent material to compress the absorbent material to force the antimicrobial solution onto the septum in response to the cap being connected to the port.

15. 15. The intravenous device of claim 14, wherein the septum contacts the absorbent material to compress the absorbent material to force the antimicrobial solution onto an exterior surface of the septum and the port in response to the cap being connected to the port.

16. The intravenous device of claim 13 , further comprising an antimicrobial coating disposed on a distal-most surface of the solid post.

17. 17. The intravenous device of claim 16, wherein the intravenous device comprises a connector, a proximal end of the connector comprises the port, the connector comprises a cavity distal to the port, and the antimicrobial coating is disposed within the cavity.

18. 17. The intravenous device of claim 16, wherein the solid post comprises an annular step surface, a proximal portion adjacent and proximal to the annular step surface, and a distal portion adjacent and distal to the annular step surface, the distal portion having an outer periphery smaller than an outer periphery of the proximal portion, and the antimicrobial coating disposed on and surrounding the distal portion.

19. The intravenous device of claim 18 , wherein the antimicrobial coating is flush with the proximal portion.

20. The intravenous device of claim 18 , wherein the annular step surface is disposed distally of the annular collar.

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