Antimicrobial and antithrombotic gas releasing devices and related systems and methods - Patents.com

Abstract

A system for infusing gas into a vascular access device may include a catheter interface having a distal end, a proximal end, and one or more lumens extending between the distal end and the proximal end. The system may also include a connector disposed on an exterior surface of the catheter interface. The connector may be configured to couple to a reservoir. The reservoir may include a housing, which may include an opening and an impermeable wall. The opening may be configured to couple to the connector of the catheter interface. The reservoir may include a molecular precursor of a gaseous agent suspended in a hydrogel and disposed within the housing. The gaseous agent may be antibacterial, antithrombotic, or both antibacterial and antithrombotic.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) are a common potential complication when using vascular access devices. Vascular access device infections resulting in CRBSIs may be caused by failure to regularly clean the device, nonsterile insertion techniques, or pathogens entering the fluid pathway at either end after insertion of the vascular access device. Studies have shown that the risk of CRBSI increases with the duration of catheterization. Once a vascular access device becomes contaminated, pathogens can attach, colonize, and form a biofilm. This biofilm is resistant to most biocides and provides a replenishment source for pathogens to enter the patient's bloodstream and cause infection. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0002] Antimicrobial and antithrombotic agents have been incorporated into coatings that are applied to the surface of vascular access devices. These coatings can be difficult and expensive to apply to the devices. Another problem with coatings is that they require relatively long times for the solvent to evaporate and for the coating to harden, resulting in high manufacturing costs for the vascular access devices. In addition, the antimicrobial and antithrombotic activity of the coating decreases over the period of placement, reducing the effectiveness of the antimicrobial and antithrombotic agents. Thus, there is a need in the art for improved means to provide antimicrobial and antithrombotic capabilities to various types of medical devices, particularly those associated with infusion therapy.

[0003] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any shortcomings or that operate only in such environments. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one example technology area in which some embodiments described herein may be practiced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to a reservoir for containing molecular precursors of a gaseous agent suspended in a hydrogel disposed within a housing, where the gaseous agent is antimicrobial or antithrombotic, and related systems and methods. In some embodiments, the reservoir can include a housing having an opening and a gas impermeable wall. The opening can be configured to mate with a vascular access device. In some embodiments, the reservoir can also include molecular precursors of the gaseous agent suspended in a hydrogel and disposed within the housing. In some embodiments, the gaseous agent can be antimicrobial, antithrombotic, or both antimicrobial and antithrombotic.

[0005] In some embodiments, the opening of the housing may also include a membrane. In some embodiments, the membrane may be gas permeable and hydrophobic. In some embodiments, the housing may also include a removable or pierceable seal covering the opening. In some embodiments, the molecular precursor of the gaseous agent may be S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine, S-nitrosoglutathione, sodium nitroprusside, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the gaseous agent may be nitric oxide.

[0006] In some embodiments, the reservoir housing may include a gas-permeable partition wall separating the housing into a first chamber and a second chamber. In some embodiments, the first chamber may include a molecular precursor of a gaseous agent suspended in a hydrogel, and the second chamber may include a catalyst for the molecular precursor to release the gaseous agent. In some embodiments, the second chamber may include a catalyst within the housing. In some embodiments, the catalyst may be water or saline. In some embodiments, the catalyst may further include a metal catalyst. In some embodiments, the second chamber may be separated from the hydrogel by a pierceable water-impermeable membrane.

[0007] In some embodiments, the reservoir housing may include an upper housing and a lower housing. In some embodiments, both the upper housing and the lower housing may include a gas impermeable wall. In some embodiments, the lower housing may further include an opening, and the upper housing may be configured to couple to the lower housing.

[0008] In some embodiments, the housing may also include a piercing mechanism that pierces the water impermeable membrane and catalyzes the production of the gaseous agent from the molecular precursors upon coupling of the reservoir to the vascular access device, hi some embodiments, the reservoir may include a wick, such as that used in a candle, that passes through the housing.

[0009] In some embodiments, a system for infusing gas into a vascular access device may include a catheter interface. In some embodiments, the catheter interface may 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 may include a connector disposed on an outer surface of the catheter interface. In some embodiments, the connector may be configured to couple to a reservoir and allow passage of a gaseous agent from the reservoir to the one or more lumens. In some embodiments, the reservoir includes a housing and molecular precursors of the gaseous agent suspended in a hydrogel disposed within the housing. In some embodiments, the gaseous agent may permeate through the connector into the one or more lumens. In some embodiments, the gaseous agent may provide antimicrobial or antithrombotic protection, or both antimicrobial and antithrombotic protection, to a surface of the catheter system.

[0010] In some embodiments, the system for infusing gas into a vascular access device may include a fluid pathway in fluid communication between a reservoir and one or more lumens. In some embodiments, the connector may be a luer connector or a molded joint fitting. In some embodiments, the reservoir housing may mechanically couple to the catheter adapter with an interference fit. In some embodiments, the connector may also include a concave protrusion feature. In some embodiments, the opening in the housing includes a seal, and the concave protrusion may pierce the seal when coupling the connector to the reservoir. In some embodiments, the connector may include a gas permeable and hydrophobic membrane.

[0011] In some embodiments, a system for infusing a gas into a vascular access device can include a stabilizing device configured to couple to the vascular access device and a reservoir. In some embodiments, the reservoir can include a housing and a molecular precursor of the gaseous agent suspended in a hydrogel disposed within the housing. In some embodiments, the stabilizing device can include an adhesive pad such that the stabilizing device secures the vascular access device to the insertion site. In some embodiments, the vascular access device can include a connector disposed on an exterior surface. In some embodiments, the connector can be a molded joint fitting such that an opening in the housing couples to the catheter system with an interference fit.

[0012] It is to be understood that both the general description above and the detailed description that follows are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the claimed invention. It is to be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings. It is also to be understood that the embodiments may be combined or other embodiments may be utilized, and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention, unless so claimed. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary reservoir, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary reservoir, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary reservoir, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary reservoir, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary reservoir, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary reservoir, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary reservoir, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2F] FIG. 2F is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary reservoir, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a top view of a vascular access device, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the vascular access device of FIG. 4A, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a side view of a vascular access device and reservoir, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the vascular access device of FIG. 5A, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a side view of another exemplary vascular access device, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4D] FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary reservoir, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4E] FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary reservoir, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of an exemplary stabilization device, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the stabilization device of FIG. 6A, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] 1A-1B, in some embodiments, reservoir 10 may include housing 12, which may include opening 14 and gas impermeable wall 16. In some embodiments, opening 14 may be configured to couple to a vascular access device. In some embodiments, reservoir 10 may include molecular precursors 18 to a gaseous agent 20 suspended in 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.

[0015] In some embodiments, the opening 14 may include a membrane 24. In some embodiments, the membrane 24 may retain the hydrogel 22 within the housing 12. In some embodiments, the membrane 24 may be hydrophobic. In some embodiments, the membrane 24 may be gas permeable. In some embodiments, the gaseous agent 20 may pass through the membrane 24 and the hydrogel 22 may be retained within the housing 12. In some embodiments, the membrane 24 may be comprised of silicone. In some embodiments, the membrane 24 may be a polyester copolymer. In other embodiments, the membrane 24 may be a fluorinated polymer. In other embodiments, the membrane 24 may be comprised of any suitable material known in the art that is hydrophobic and gas permeable.

[0016] In some embodiments, the gaseous agent 20 may be nitric oxide. In some embodiments, the gaseous agent 20 may be any other gas that exhibits antimicrobial and / or antithrombotic properties. In some embodiments, the molecular precursor 18 may be S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), S-nitrosoglutathione, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the molecular precursor 18 may be any precursor of a gaseous agent that may be suspended in a hydrogel 22 or other type of suitable antimicrobial or antithrombotic delivery system known in the art. In some embodiments, the hydrogel 22 may be polyethylene glycol (PEG). In other embodiments, the hydrogel 22 may be alginate or other suitable hydrogel.

[0017] In some embodiments, the housing 12 may be cylindrical. In some embodiments, the gas impermeable wall 16 may be impermeable to the gaseous agent 20. In some embodiments, the gas impermeable wall 16 is impermeable to the molecular precursors 18 and the hydrogel 22. In some embodiments, the gas impermeable wall 16 may be composed of high durometer urethane. In some embodiments, the gas impermeable wall 16 may be polyester, high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or any suitable plastic or material known in the art. In some embodiments, the gas impermeable wall 16 may be spherical, cubic, or other geometric shape.

[0018] In some embodiments, the membrane 24 can be mechanically bonded to the inner wall of the gas impermeable wall 16. In some embodiments, the membrane 24 may be bonded to the gas impermeable wall with an adhesive. In some embodiments, the housing 12 may further include a seal 26 covering the opening 14. In some embodiments, the seal 26 may protect the membrane from puncture or exposure. In some embodiments, the seal 26 may be removable and / or pierceable. In some embodiments, the seal 26 may be impermeable to any gas or fluid. In some embodiments, the seal 26 may be foil, plastic, or any suitable seal known in the art. In some embodiments, the seal 26 may be bonded to the housing 12 using an adhesive or any other suitable attachment method.

[0019] In some embodiments, the reservoir 10 may also include a partition wall 28, which may be gas permeable. In some embodiments, the partition wall 28 may separate the housing 12 into a first chamber 30 and a second chamber 32. In some embodiments, the first chamber 30 may contain the molecular precursor 18 suspended in the hydrogel 22, and the second chamber 32 may contain a catalyst for the molecular precursor 18. In some embodiments, the partition wall 28 may separate the housing 12 such that the first chamber 30 and the second chamber 32 are approximately the same size. In some embodiments, the second chamber 32 may be proximate to the opening 14. In some embodiments, the partition wall 28 may separate the housing 12 such that the first chamber 30 has a larger size than the second chamber 32. In some embodiments, the partition wall 28 may separate the reservoir 10 such that both the first chamber 30 and the second chamber 32 are proximate to the opening 14 and / or the membrane 24.

[0020] 2A-2E, in some embodiments, the second chamber 32 may be separated from the first chamber 30 by a pierceable, water-impermeable membrane 34. In some embodiments, the second chamber 32 may be a thin film of water or saline within the housing 12. In some embodiments, the second chamber 32 may include a water-soluble catalyst 36.

[0021] In some embodiments, the catalyst 36 for the molecular precursor 18 may include pure water, deoxygenated water, deionized water, or ionized water. In other embodiments, the catalyst 36 may include a buffer solution. In some embodiments, the catalyst 36 may be a metal. In some embodiments, the catalyst 36 may include an aqueous solution having catalytic ions or elements therein. In some embodiments, the catalyst 36 may be an ion or element that may include copper, iron, zinc, selenium, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the buffer solution may be any suitable solution known in the art.

[0022] In some embodiments, water or an aqueous solution can initiate the release of nitric oxide from molecular precursor 18. In some embodiments, SNAP, SNP, S-nitrosoglutathione, and other nitrosating agents can undergo spontaneous denitrification or nitric oxide donation in aqueous solution. In some embodiments, SNP may readily dissolve in water and / or buffers and release nitric oxide in the presence of water. In some embodiments, reservoir 10 may continuously release gaseous agent 20.

[0023] In some embodiments, the housing 12 may include a piercing mechanism 38. In some embodiments, the piercing mechanism 38 may be configured to pierce the pierceable water-impermeable membrane 34. In some embodiments, piercing the pierceable water-impermeable membrane 34 may wet the molecular precursors 18 and release the gaseous agent 20 from the hydrogel 22. In some embodiments, the piercing mechanism 38 may pierce the water-impermeable membrane 34 upon coupling the reservoir 10 to a vascular access device.

[0024] In some embodiments, the piercing mechanism 38 may include a tip 40. In some embodiments, upon contact between the tip 40 and the pierceable water-impermeable membrane 34, water and / or buffer may pass through the pierceable water-impermeable membrane 34 to hydrate the hydrogel 22. In some embodiments, the piercing mechanism 38 may be coupled to the housing 12. In some embodiments, the piercing mechanism 38 may extend to or beyond the exterior surface of the housing 12. In some embodiments, the piercing mechanism 38 may extend through the membrane 24. In some embodiments, the piercing mechanism 38 may extend outside the gas-impermeable wall 16. In some embodiments, the tip 40 pierces the pierceable water-impermeable membrane 34 by pushing a portion of the piercing mechanism 38 that extends to or beyond the exterior surface of the housing 12. In some embodiments, the piercing mechanism 38 may be pushed by coupling the reservoir 10 to the vascular access device. In some embodiments, the piercing mechanism 38 may be pushed by a user, such as a clinician.

[0025] 2C-2E, in some embodiments, the housing 12 may include two separable portions, an upper housing 42 and a lower housing 44. In some embodiments, the upper housing 42 and the lower housing 44 may include a gas impermeable wall 16. In some embodiments, the lower housing 44 may include an opening 14. In some embodiments, the upper housing 42 may be configured to couple to the lower housing 44.

[0026] In some embodiments, the upper housing 42 may include the first chamber 30. In other embodiments, the upper housing 42 may include the second chamber 32. In some embodiments, the upper housing 42 may include both the first chamber 30 and the second chamber 32. In some embodiments, the upper housing 42 may include a piercing mechanism 38.

[0027] In some embodiments, the lower housing 44 may include the first chamber 30. In other embodiments, the lower housing 44 may include the 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 cone-shaped. In some embodiments, the piercing mechanism 38 may be integrated into the upper housing 42 or the lower housing 44 and may pierce the water impermeable membrane 34 upon coupling the reservoir 10 to the vascular access device.

[0028] 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 constructed of a urethane having a high durometer. In some embodiments, the high durometer urethane may prevent the gaseous agent 20 from diffusing or escaping from the gas impermeable wall 16. In some embodiments, the upper housing 42 may be constructed of a material having a greater durometer than the lower housing 44. In other embodiments, the lower housing 44 may have a greater durometer than the upper housing 42.

[0029] In some embodiments, the upper housing 42 and the lower housing 44 may be the same size. In some embodiments, the upper housing 42 and the lower housing 44 may be the same volume and / or length. In some embodiments, the size of the upper housing 42 or the lower housing 44 may be different. In some embodiments, the first chamber 30 containing the molecular precursors 18 suspended in the hydrogel 22 may have a greater length than the second chamber 32 containing the catalyst for the molecular precursors 18. In some embodiments, the greater length of the first chamber 30 may prevent the piercing mechanism 38 from inadvertently piercing the membrane 24.

[0030] In some embodiments, the upper housing 42 and the lower housing 44 can be coupled with a clip mechanism 46. In some embodiments, the clip mechanism 46 can include teeth 48 and clips 50 that can couple together to keep the upper housing 42 coupled to the lower housing 44. In some embodiments, the clip mechanism 46 can have a number of teeth 48 such that the upper housing 42 and the lower housing 44 ratchet together when the upper housing 42 and the lower housing 44 are pressed together such that the piercing mechanism 38 pierces the water impermeable membrane 34.

[0031] In some embodiments, the reservoir 10 may include a safety feature 52 that may prevent the piercing feature 38 from inadvertently piercing the water impermeable membrane 34. In some embodiments, the safety feature 52 may be a cylindrical spacer between the upper housing 42 and the lower housing 44. In some embodiments, the safety feature 52 may be removable such that the safety feature 52 may be removed and discarded prior to coupling the reservoir 10 to the vascular access device. In some embodiments, the safety feature 52 may be compressible.

[0032] 2F, in some embodiments, the reservoir 10 may include a wick 54, such as that used in candles. In some embodiments, the wick 54 may be a water or solution transport device that allows water and / or aqueous solutions to be transported into the housing 12 to wet the hydrogel 22. In some embodiments, the wick 54 may extend through the membrane 24 or through the gas impermeable wall 16. In some embodiments, the wick 54 may be configured to be wetted upon coupling the reservoir to the vascular access device. In some embodiments, the wick 54 may be comprised of synthetic fibers. In some embodiments, the wick 54 may be comprised of polyester. In other embodiments, the wick 54 may be comprised of cotton, other natural fibers, or any other suitable distribution material.

[0033] 3A-3B, in some embodiments, a system 56 for infusing a vascular access device 58 with gas 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.

[0034] In some embodiments, the system 56 may include a connector 68 disposed on an 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 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 precursors 18 are depleted. Thus, the reservoir 10 is regenerative or replaceable as needed to provide antibacterial and / or antithrombotic protection to the inner surface 72 and / or outer surface 70 of the catheter interface 60.

[0035] 4A-4B, in some embodiments, the connector 68 may be located on an upper portion of the catheter interface 60, opposite the portion of the catheter interface 60 that may contact the patient's skin surface. In some embodiments, the catheter interface 60 may include a fluid pathway 74 that fluidly communicates between one or more lumens 66 and the reservoir 10. In some embodiments, the fluid pathway 74 may be an open pathway for gas and / or liquid. In some embodiments, the fluid pathway 74 may be only gas permeable. In some embodiments, the connector 68 may include a connector membrane 76. In some embodiments, the connector membrane 76 may be gas permeable and hydrophobic. In some embodiments, the gaseous agent 20 may permeate the outer surface 70 of the catheter interface 60.

[0036] In some embodiments, the connector 68 may include a molded interface joint 78 that may mate with the reservoir 10 in an interference fit. In some embodiments, the molded interface joint 78 may include an extension joint 80 that extends from a surface of the catheter interface 60. In some embodiments, the reservoir may engage with an inner surface of the extension joint 80 in an interference fit. In other embodiments, the reservoir 10 may be an interference fit with an outer surface of the extension joint 80. The extension joint 80 may provide greater access to the reservoir 10 in the event that the reservoir needs to be removed or replaced.

[0037] In some embodiments, the molded interface joint 78 may include a concave joint 82. In some embodiments, the reservoir 10 may be an interference fit with an inner surface of the concave joint 82. In some embodiments, the concave joint 82 may minimize protrusion of the reservoir 10 from the outer surface 70 of the catheter interface 60.

[0038] 4C-4D, in some embodiments, the connector 68 may be a luer connector 84. In some embodiments, the connector 68 may include luer connector threads 86 that may mate with luer connector threads included on the exterior surface of the gas impermeable wall 16 of the reservoir 10. In some embodiments, the connector 68 may include male or female luer threads 86. In some embodiments, the luer connector 84 of the reservoir may facilitate easy access or replacement of the reservoir when necessary.

[0039] 4E, in some embodiments, the connector 68 may include a concave protrusion 88. In some embodiments, the concave protrusion 88 may extend from the concave fitting 82 of the catheter interface 50. As mentioned above, the opening 14 of the housing 12 of the reservoir 10 may include a seal 26. In some embodiments, upon coupling the reservoir 10 to the connector 68, the concave protrusion 88 may pierce the seal 26 such that the gaseous agent 20 may pass from the reservoir 10, through the connector 68, and into one or more lumens 66. In some embodiments, the concave protrusion 88 may include a fluid pathway 74 through the concave protrusion.

[0040] 5A-5B, in some embodiments, a system 90 for infusing a gas into a vascular access device 58 may include a stabilizing device 92. In some embodiments, the stabilizing device 92 may be configured to couple 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 a gas impermeable wall 100. In some embodiments, the opening 98 may be configured to couple to the vascular access device 58, and the gas impermeable wall 100 may be configured to couple to the stabilizing device 92. In some embodiments, the reservoir 94 may include a molecular precursor 18 to a gaseous agent 20. In some embodiments, the molecular precursor 18 may be suspended within a hydrogel 22 disposed within the housing 96. In some embodiments, the stabilizing device 92 may be a StatLock® stabilizing device available from Becton, Dickinson & Company and may include a reservoir 94.

[0041] In some embodiments, reservoir 94 may be similar or identical to reservoir 10 discussed with respect to Figures 1A-1B, 2A-2C, and 4A-4E in terms of one or more of the following included features and / or operation:

[0042] 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, which may be secured or fixed to an insertion site on the patient's skin. In some embodiments, the adhesive pad 102 may be secured by an adhesive disposed on a bottom surface of the adhesive pad 102. In some embodiments, the retainer 104 may be configured to receive the vascular access device 58 and secure it in place. In some embodiments, the retainer 104 may be configured to couple to the reservoir 94. In some embodiments, the retainer 104 may be comprised of several sub-components including a base 106, a cover 108, and a latch 110 for coupling the retainer 104 to the vascular access device 58.

[0043] In some embodiments, the vascular access device 58 includes a connector 68 disposed on the exterior surface 70. In some embodiments, the connector 68 includes a molded joint fitting 78 such that an opening 98 in the housing 96 may be coupled to the vascular access device 58 with an interference fit. In some embodiments, the reservoir 94 may be coupled to the stabilizing device 92 with an interference fit. In some embodiments, the reservoir 94 may be removed from the stabilizing device 92 and replaced. In other embodiments, the reservoir 94 may be coupled to the stabilizing device 92 with an adhesive or glue.

[0044] In some embodiments, the base 106 of the retainer 104 couples the retainer 104 to the adhesive pad 102. In some embodiments, the cover 108 couples to the reservoir 94. In some embodiments, the cover 108 may be removed from the retainer 104 and replaced. Thus, the stabilization device 22 may be retained when the cover 108 is removed and replaced with another reservoir 94. In some embodiments, the latch 110 may couple with an interference fit with the vascular access device 58. In some embodiments, the reservoir 94 may couple with an interference fit with the vascular access device 58 and thus function as the latch 110.

[0045] In some embodiments, the opening 98 may include a membrane 112. In some embodiments, the membrane 112 may be similar to or identical to the membrane 24 discussed with respect to Figures 1A-1B, 2C, and 3A-3B in terms of one or more of the following included features and / or operation.

[0046] All examples and conditional language described herein are intended for educational purposes to aid in understanding the invention and concepts provided by the inventor to advance the technology, and should be construed as not being limited to the 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 herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A reservoir comprising: a housing comprising an opening and a gas impermeable wall, the opening configured to couple to a vascular access device; a molecular precursor of a gaseous agent suspended in a hydrogel disposed within the housing, the gaseous agent being antimicrobial, antithrombotic, or both antimicrobial and antithrombotic; Equipped with The reservoir, wherein the opening further comprises a membrane, the membrane being gas permeable and hydrophobic.

2. The reservoir of claim 1 , wherein the gaseous agent is nitric oxide.

3. 2. The reservoir of claim 1, wherein the molecular precursor of the gaseous drug is selected from S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine, S-nitrosoglutathione, sodium nitroprusside, or combinations thereof.

4. 2. The reservoir of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a gas-permeable partition wall separating the housing into a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber containing the molecular precursor of the gaseous drug suspended in the hydrogel, the second chamber containing a catalyst for the molecular precursor, and the second chamber separated from the first chamber by a piercable, water-impermeable membrane.

5. 2. The reservoir of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises an upper housing and a lower housing, the upper housing and the lower housing comprising gas impermeable walls, the lower housing further comprising the opening, and the upper housing configured to couple to the lower housing. [0010] Claim 6: The housing further comprises a gas-permeable partition wall separating the housing into a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber containing the molecular precursor of the gaseous drug suspended in the hydrogel, the second chamber containing a catalyst for the molecular precursor, the second chamber being separated from the first chamber by a pierceable water-impermeable membrane; The reservoir of claim 5 , wherein the housing further comprises a piercing mechanism, the piercing mechanism piercing the water impermeable membrane upon coupling the reservoir to the vascular access device.

7. The reservoir of claim 1 , wherein the housing further comprises a removable or pierceable seal covering the opening.

8. The reservoir of claim 1 further comprising a wick extending through the housing.

9. 1. A system for infusing a vascular access device with gas, comprising: a catheter interface comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and one or more lumens extending between the distal end and the proximal end; a connector disposed on an exterior surface of the catheter interface, the connector configured to couple to a reservoir and allow passage of a gaseous agent from the reservoir to the one or more lumens; Equipped with The reservoir comprises: a housing having an opening and a gas impermeable wall, the opening configured to couple to the connector of the catheter interface; A system for infusing gas into a vascular access device comprising: a molecular precursor of a gaseous agent suspended in a hydrogel disposed within the housing, the gaseous agent being antibacterial, antithrombotic, or both antibacterial and antithrombotic.

10. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the gaseous agent permeates through the connector and into the lumen, the gaseous agent providing antibacterial, antithrombotic, or both antibacterial and antithrombotic protection to at least one surface of the catheter system.

11. The system of claim 9 , further comprising a fluid pathway in fluid communication between the reservoir and the lumen.

12. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the connector is a luer connector or a molded joint fitting, and the reservoir housing mechanically couples to the catheter adapter with an interference fit.

13. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the connector further comprises a concave protrusion, the opening in the housing further comprises a seal, and the concave protrusion pierces the seal upon coupling the connector to the reservoir.

14. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the connector further comprises a membrane, the membrane being gas permeable and hydrophobic.

15. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the reservoir opening further comprises a membrane, the membrane being gas permeable and hydrophobic.

16. 1. A system for infusing a vascular access device with gas, comprising: a stabilization device configured to couple to the vascular access device; A reservoir comprising: a housing having an opening and a gas impermeable wall, the opening configured to couple to the vascular access device and the gas impermeable wall coupled to the stabilization device; a molecular precursor of a gaseous agent suspended in a hydrogel disposed within the housing, the gaseous agent being antimicrobial, antithrombotic, or both antimicrobial and antithrombotic; a reservoir comprising:

1. A system for infusing gas into a vascular access device, comprising:

17. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the stabilizing device further comprises an adhesive pad for securing the vascular access device at an insertion site.

18. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the vascular access device further comprises a connector disposed on an exterior surface, the connector being a molded interface joint such that the opening in the housing mates with the vascular access device in an interference fit.

19. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the opening in the housing further comprises a membrane, the membrane being gas permeable and hydrophobic.

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