ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTITHROMBOGENIC GAS-RELEASE DEVICE AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Abstract

A system (56) for infusing a gas into a vascular access device includes a catheter interface (60), which includes a distal end (62), a proximal end (64), and a lumen (66) extending between the distal and proximal ends. The system also includes a connector (68) disposed on an external surface (70) of the catheter interface. The connector is configured to engage a reservoir (10). The reservoir includes a housing (12), which includes an opening (14) and a gas-tight wall (16). The opening is configured to engage the connector of the catheter interface. The reservoir also includes a molecular precursor (18) to a gaseous agent (20) suspended in a hydrogel (22) and disposed within the housing. The gaseous agent may be antimicrobial, antithrombogenic, or both antimicrobial and antithrombogenic.

Description

ANTIMICROBIAL GAS RELEASE DEVICE AND ANTITHROMBOGENIC AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS Background of the Invention Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) can be a common complication when using vascular access devices. Infection of the vascular access device resulting in CRBSI can be caused by a lack of regular device cleaning, a non-sterile insertion technique, or the entry of pathogens into the fluid flow pathway through either end of the catheter after insertion. Studies have shown that the risk of CRBSI increases with the duration of catheter dwell time. When a vascular access device becomes contaminated, pathogens adhere to the device, colonize it, and form a biofilm. Biofilm is resistant to most biocidal agents and provides a replenishment source for pathogens to enter a patient's bloodstream and cause infection. Antimicrobial or antithrombogenic agents have been incorporated into coatings applied to the surfaces of vascular access devices. These coatings can be difficult or expensive to apply to the device. Ref. 334931 The problem with coatings is that they increase the manufacturing costs of vascular access devices, requiring a relatively long period for the solvents to evaporate or the coatings to harden. Furthermore, the antimicrobial or antithrombogenic activity of the coating decreases during this dwell time, reducing the effectiveness of the antimicrobial or antithrombogenic agent. Consequently, there is a need in the art for improved media to provide antimicrobial and antithrombogenic capabilities to various types of medical devices, particularly those related to infusion therapy. The related issue described and claimed herein is not limited to modalities that resolve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is provided only to illustrate an example technology area where some of the implementations described herein can be practiced. Brief Description of the Invention The present description relates in general to a reservoir for housing a molecular precursor of a gaseous agent suspended in a hydrogel disposed within the housing, wherein the gaseous agent is antimicrobial or antithrombogenic, as well as to related systems and methods. In some models, a reservoir may include a housing with an opening and a gas-impermeable wall. The opening may be configured to accommodate a vascular access device. In some models, the reservoir may also include a molecular precursor of a gaseous agent that can be suspended in a hydrogel and delivered within the housing. In some models, the gaseous agent may be antimicrobial, antithrombogenic, or both antimicrobial and antithrombogenic. In some embodiments, the housing opening 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 puncture-resistant 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. In some embodiments, the reservoir housing may include a gas-permeable partition separating the housing into a first and a second chamber. In some embodiments, the first chamber may contain the molecular precursor of the gaseous agent suspended in the hydrogel, and the second chamber may contain a catalyst for the molecular precursor to release the gaseous agent. In some embodiments, the second chamber may contain a catalyst within the housing. In some embodiments, the catalyst may be water or saline solution. In some embodiments, the catalyst may also include a metallic catalyst. In some embodiments, the second chamber may be separated from the hydrogel by a water-impermeable, perforable membrane. In some embodiments, the tank housing may include an upper and a lower housing. In some embodiments, both the upper and lower housings may include a gas-tight wall. In some embodiments, the lower housing may also include the opening, and the upper housing may be configured to couple with the lower housing. In some embodiments, the housing may also include a piercing mechanism that perforates the water-impermeable membrane when the reservoir is coupled to the vascular access device to catalyze the production of the gaseous agent from the molecular precursor. In some embodiments, the reservoir may include a wick that penetrates the housing. In some modalities, a system for infusing a gas into a vascular access device may include a catheter interface. In some modalities, the catheter interface may include a distal end, a proximal end, and one or more lumens extending between the distal and proximal ends. In some modalities, the catheter interface may include a connector disposed on an outer surface of the catheter interface. In some modalities, the connector may be configured to attach to a reservoir and allow the passage of a gaseous agent from the reservoir into one or more lumens. In some modalities, the reservoir includes a housing and a molecular precursor of a gaseous agent suspended in a hydrogel disposed within the housing. In some modalities, the gaseous agent may penetrate through the connector and into one or more lumens.In some modalities, the gaseous agent can provide antimicrobial or antithrombogenic protection, or both antimicrobial and antithrombogenic protection, to the surfaces of the catheter system. In some designs, the system for infusing a gas into a vascular access device may include a fluid pathway in fluid communication between the reservoir and one or more lumens. In some designs, the connector may be a Luer connector or a molded-in fitting. In some designs, the reservoir housing may be mechanically coupled to the catheter adapter in an interference fit. In some designs, the connector may also include a recessed projection mechanism. In some designs, the housing opening may include a seal, and when the connector is coupled to the reservoir, the recessed projection may puncture the seal. In some designs, the connector may include a hydrophobic, gas-permeable membrane. In some models, a system for infusing a gas into a vascular access device may include a stabilization device configured to attach to the vascular access device and a reservoir. In some models, the reservoir may include a housing and a molecular precursor of a gaseous agent suspended in a hydrogel disposed within the housing. In some models, the stabilization device may also include an adhesive pad, such that the stabilization device anchors the vascular access device to an insertion site. In some models, the vascular access device may include a connector disposed on an external surface. In some models, the connector may be a molded joining fitting such that the opening of the housing engages the catheter system in an interference fit. It should be understood that both the preceding general description and the following detailed description are illustrative 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 instruments shown in the figures. It should also be understood that the embodiments may be combined, or that other embodiments may be used, and that structural changes may be made, unless otherwise claimed, without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention. The following detailed description should therefore not be taken in a limiting sense. Brief Description of the Figures The example modalities will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying figures. Figure 1A is a cross-sectional view of an example tank, according to some modalities; Figure IB is a cross-sectional view of another example reservoir, according to some modalities; Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of another example reservoir, according to some modalities; Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of another example reservoir, according to some modalities; Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of another example reservoir, according to some modalities; Figure 2D is a cross-sectional view of another example reservoir, according to some modalities; Figure 2E is a cross-sectional view of another example reservoir, according to some modalities; Figure 2F is a cross-sectional view of another example tank, according to some modalities; Figure 3A is a top view of a vascular access device, according to some modalities; Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the vascular access device in Figure 4A, according to some modalities; Figure 4A is a side view of a vascular access device and reservoir, according to some modalities; Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of the vascular access device in Figure 5A, according to some modalities; Figure 4C is a side view of another example of a vascular access device, according to some modalities; Figure 4D is a cross-sectional view of another example reservoir, according to some modalities; Figure 4E is a side view of another example of a vascular access device, according to some modalities; Figure 5A is a top perspective view of an example of a stabilization device, according to some modalities; and Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the stabilization device of Figure 5A, according to some modalities. Detailed Description of the Invention With reference now to Figures 1A-1B, in some embodiments, a reservoir 10 may include a housing 12, which may include an opening 14 and a gas-impermeable wall 16. In some embodiments, the opening 14 may be configured to accommodate a vascular access device. In some embodiments, the reservoir 10 may include a molecular precursor 18 of a gaseous agent 20 suspended in a hydrogel 22. In some embodiments, the hydrogel 22 may be disposed within the housing 12. In some embodiments, the gaseous agent 20 may be antimicrobial, antithrombogenic, or both antimicrobial and antithrombogenic. 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 remains retained within the housing 12. In some embodiments, the membrane 24 may be constructed 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 constructed of any suitable material known in the art that is hydrophobic and gas-permeable. In some forms, gaseous agent 20 may be ML / a / ZUZZ / UU l U4 J nitric oxide. In some embodiments, the gaseous agent 20 may be any other gas exhibiting antimicrobial and / or antithrombogenic properties. In some embodiments, the molecular precursor 18 may be S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), S-nitrosoglutathione, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the molecular precursor 18 may be any precursor of a gaseous agent that can be suspended in a hydrogel 22 or any other type of suitable antimicrobial or antithrombogenic agent 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 another suitable hydrogel. In some embodiments, the housing 12 may be cylindrical. In some embodiments, the gas-tight wall 16 may be impermeable to the gaseous agent 20. In some embodiments, the gas-tight wall 16 is impermeable to the molecular precursor 18 and the hydrogel 22. In some embodiments, the gas-tight wall 16 may be constructed of a high-hardness urethane. In some embodiments, the gas-tight wall 16 may be made of polyester, high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or any other suitable plastic or material known in the art. In some embodiments, the gas-tight wall 16 may be spherical, cubic, or have another geometric shape. In some embodiments, the membrane 24 may be mechanically attached to an inner wall of the gas-tight wall 16. In some embodiments, the membrane 24 may be attached to the gas-tight 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 punctureable. In some embodiments, the seal 26 may be impermeable to gases or fluids of any kind. In some embodiments, the seal 26 may be a sheet, plastic, or any other suitable seal known in the art. In some embodiments, the seal 26 may be attached to the housing 12 with an adhesive or any other suitable joining method. In some embodiments, the reservoir 10 may also include a partition 28 that may be gas-permeable. In some embodiments, the partition 28 may separate the housing 12 into a first chamber 30 and a second chamber 32. In some embodiments, the first chamber 30 may include the molecular precursor 18 suspended in the hydrogel 22, and the second chamber 32 may include a catalyst for the molecular precursor 18. In some embodiments, the partition 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 located near the opening 14. In some embodiments, the partition 28 may separate the housing 12 such that the first chamber 30 is larger than the second chamber 32.In some embodiments, division 28 can separate the tank 10, so that both the first chamber 30 and the second chamber 32 are close to the opening 14 and / or the membrane 24. With reference now to Figures 2A-2E, in some embodiments, the second chamber 32 may be separated from the first chamber 30 by a water-impermeable perforable membrane 34. In some embodiments, the second chamber 32 may be a thin film of water or saline solution within the housing 12. In some embodiments, the second chamber 32 may include a water-soluble catalyst 36. 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 an aqueous buffer solution. In some embodiments, the catalyst 36 may be metallic. In some embodiments, the catalyst 36 may include an aqueous solution containing catalyst ions or elements. In some embodiments, the catalyst 36 may be ions or elements that may include copper, iron, zinc, selenium, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the aqueous buffer solution may be any suitable solution known in the art. In some embodiments, water or an aqueous solution can initiate the release of nitric oxide from the molecular precursor 18. In some embodiments, SNAP, SNP, Snitrosoglutathione, and other nitrosating agents can undergo spontaneous denitrosization or nitric oxide donation in an aqueous solution. In some embodiments, SNP may be readily soluble in water and / or buffer solutions and release nitric oxide in the presence of water. In some embodiments, reservoir 10 may continuously release the gaseous agent 20. In some embodiments, housing 12 may include a piercing mechanism 38. In some embodiments, the piercing mechanism 38 may be configured to pierce the watertight, perforable membrane 34. In some embodiments, by piercing the watertight, perforable membrane 34, the molecular precursor 18 may be moistened and the gaseous agent 20 may be released from the hydrogel 22. In some embodiments, the piercing mechanism 38 may pierce the watertight membrane 34 by coupling the reservoir 10 to a vascular access device. In some embodiments, the piercing mechanism 38 may include a pointed end 40. In some embodiments, after contact between the pointed end 40 and the watertight, perforable membrane 34, water and / or buffer solution may pass through the perforable, watertight 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 into or beyond an outer 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 impermeable gas wall 16.In some embodiments, by pushing a portion of the piercing mechanism 38 that extends toward or beyond the outer surface of the housing 12, the pointed end 40 pierces the puncture-proof, watertight membrane 34. In some embodiments, the piercing mechanism 38 can be pushed by attaching the reservoir 10 to a vascular access device. In some embodiments, the piercing mechanism 38 can be pressed by a user, such as a physician. With reference to Figures 2C-2E, in some embodiments, the housing 12 may include two separable parts, an upper housing 42 and a lower housing 44. In some embodiments, the upper housing 42 and the lower housing 44 may include the gas-tight wall 16. In some embodiments, the lower housing may include the opening 14. In some embodiments, the upper housing 42 may be configured to couple with the lower housing 44. 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 the drilling mechanism 38. 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 the piercing mechanism 38. In some embodiments, the piercing mechanism 38 may be conical in shape. In some embodiments, the piercing mechanism 38 may be integrated into the upper housing 42 or the lower housing 44 and may pierce the watertight membrane 34 when the reservoir 10 is coupled to a vascular access device. In some models, the upper accommodation 42 and the lower accommodation 44 can be constructed from the same material. In some embodiments, both the upper housing 42 and the lower housing 44 can be constructed from a urethane with high hardness. In some embodiments, the high-hardness urethane can prevent the gaseous agent 20 from diffusing or flowing out of the impermeable gas wall 16. In some embodiments, the upper housing 42 can be constructed from a material with greater hardness than the lower housing 44. In other embodiments, the lower housing 44 can have greater hardness than the upper housing 42. 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 have 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, which contains the molecular precursor 18 suspended in the hydrogel 22, may be longer than the second chamber 32, which contains the catalyst for the molecular precursor 18. In some embodiments, the greater length of the first chamber 30 may prevent the piercing mechanism 38 from inadvertently piercing the membrane 24. In some embodiments, the upper housing 42 and the lower housing 44 can be coupled with a clamping mechanism 46. In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism can include teeth 48 and a clamp 50 that engage and maintain the upper housing 42 coupled to the lower housing 44. In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism 46 can have multiple teeth 48, so that the upper housing 42 and the lower housing 44 can be coupled, such that the piercing mechanism 38 pierces the waterproof membrane 34 when the upper housing 42 and the lower housing 44 are brought together. In some embodiments, the reservoir 10 may include a safety mechanism 52 that prevents the piercing mechanism 38 from inadvertently piercing the watertight 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 so that it can be removed and discarded before attaching the reservoir 10 to a vascular access device. In some embodiments, the safety mechanism 52 may be compressible. With reference now to Figure 2F, in some embodiments, the reservoir 10 may include a wick 54. In some embodiments, the wick 54 may be a water or solution delivery device that allows water and / or aqueous solution to be delivered to the housing 12 to moisten the hydrogel 22. In some embodiments, the wick 54 ML / a / ZUZZ / UU l U4 J can extend through membrane 24 or through the impermeable gas wall 16. In some embodiments, the wick 54 can be configured to be moistened by attaching the reservoir to a vascular access device. In some embodiments, the wick 54 can be constructed of a synthetic fiber. In some embodiments, the wick 54 can be constructed of polyester. In other embodiments, the wick 54 can be constructed of cotton, other natural fibers, or any other suitable absorbent material. With reference now to Figures 3A-3B, in some modalities, a system 56 for infusing a gas into a vascular access device 58 may include a catheter interface 60. In some modalities, 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 modalities, the catheter interface 60 may include a catheter adapter. In some modalities, the catheter interface 60 may include any suitable vascular access device 58. 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 penetrate through the connector 68 and into one or more lumens 66. ML / a / ZUZZ / UU l U4 J may include at least one inner surface 72 of the catheter interface 60. In some modalities, the gaseous agent 20 may provide antimicrobial, antithrombogenic, or antimicrobial and antithrombogenic protection to the outer surface 70 and / or the inner surface 72 of the catheter interface 60. In some modalities, the gaseous agent 20 may provide antimicrobial and / or antithrombogenic protection to the outer surface 70 by diffusing through the catheter interface 60. In some modalities, the reservoir 10 may be withdrawn from the connector 68 and replaced after the molecular precursor 18 has been depleted. Therefore, the reservoir 10 is renewable or replaceable as required to provide antimicrobial and / or antithrombogenic protection to the inner surfaces 72 and / or outer surfaces 70 of the catheter interface 60. With reference to Figures 4A-4B, in some embodiments, connector 68 may be located on the upper portion of the catheter interface 60, opposite the portion of the catheter interface 60 that may be in contact with a patient's skin surface. In some embodiments, the catheter interface 60 may include a fluid pathway 74 in fluid communication between one or more lumens 66 and the reservoir 10. In some embodiments, the fluid pathway 74 may be open to gas and / or liquid. In some embodiments, the fluid pathway 74 may be permeable only to gases. In some embodiments, connector 68 may include a connecting membrane 76. In some embodiments, the connecting membrane 76 may be both gas-permeable and hydrophobic. In some embodiments, the gaseous agent 20 may penetrate through the outer surface 70 of the catheter interface 60. In some embodiments, connector 68 may include a molded coupling fitting 78 that can be coupled to the reservoir 10 in an interference fit. In some embodiments, the molded coupling fitting 78 may include an extended fitting 80 that extends from the catheter interface surface 60. In some embodiments, the reservoir can be coupled in an interference fit with an inner surface of the extended fitting 80. In other embodiments, the reservoir 10 can be coupled in an interference fit with an outer surface of the extended fitting 80. The extended fitting 80 can provide greater accessibility to the reservoir 10 when it is necessary to remove or replace the reservoir. In some embodiments, the molded joining fitting 78 may include a recessed fitting 82. In some embodiments, the reservoir 10 may fit into an interference fit with an inner surface of the recessed fitting 82. In some embodiments, the recessed fitting 82 may minimize the projection of the reservoir 10 from an outer surface 70 of the catheter interface 60. With reference now to Figures 4C-4D, in some embodiments, connector 68 may be a Luer connector 84. In some embodiments, connector 68 may include Luer connector threads 86 that can be coupled to Luer connector threads included on an outer surface of the gastight wall 16 of the tank 10. In some embodiments, connector 68 may include male or female Luer threads 86. In some embodiments, the Luer connector 84 of the tank may facilitate easy access to or replacement of the tank when required. With reference now to Figures 4E, in some embodiments, the connector 68 may include a recessed projection 88. In some embodiments, the recessed projection 88 may extend from a recessed fitting 82 of the catheter interface 50. As described above, the opening 14 of the reservoir 10 housing 12 may include a seal 26. In some embodiments, when the reservoir 10 is coupled to the connector 68, the recessed projection 88 may pierce the seal 26, so 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 recessed projection 88 may include a fluid pathway 74 through the recessed projection. With reference now to Figures 5A-5B, in some embodiments, a system 90 for infusing 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 attach 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 attach to the vascular access device 58, and the gas-impermeable wall 100 may be configured to attach to the stabilization device 92. In some embodiments, the reservoir 94 may include the molecular precursor 18 of the gaseous agent 20. In some embodiments, the molecular precursor 18 may be suspended in the hydrogel 22 disposed within the housing 96.In some configurations, the stabilization device 92 may be a StatLock® stabilization device, available from Becton, Dickinson & Company, and includes the reservoir 94. In some embodiments, tank 94 may be similar or identical in terms of one or more included features and / or operation to one or more of the following: tank 10 described with respect to Figures 1I-1B, 2A-2C and 4I-4E. 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 attached to the adhesive pad 102, and the adhesive pad 102 may be secured or anchored to an insertion site on the patient's skin. In some embodiments, the adhesive pad 102 may be secured by an adhesive disposed on its underside. In some embodiments, the retainer 104 may be configured to receive the vascular access device 58 and secure it in position. In some embodiments, the retainer 104 may be configured to attach to the reservoir 94. In some embodiments, the retainer 104 may comprise several subcomponents, including a base 106, a cover 108, and a latch 110 for attaching the retainer 104 to the vascular access device 58. 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 joining fitting 78, so that the opening 98 of the housing 96 can be coupled to the vascular access device 58 in an interference fit. In some embodiments, the reservoir 94 can be coupled to the stabilization device 92 in an interference fit. In some embodiments, the reservoir 94 can be removed from the stabilization device 92 and replaced. In other embodiments, the reservoir 94 can be coupled to the stabilization device 92 with an adhesive or glue. In some embodiments, the base 106 of retainer 104 engages retainer 104 with adhesive pad 102. In some embodiments, cover 108 engages reservoir 94. In some embodiments, cover 108 can be removed from retainer 104 and replaced. Therefore, stabilization device 22 can be retained when cover 108 is removed and replaced with another reservoir 94. In some embodiments, latch 110 can engage with vascular access device 58 in an interference fit. In some embodiments, reservoir 94 can serve as latch 110 because reservoir 94 can engage with vascular access device 58 in an interference fit. In some embodiments, the aperture 98 may include a membrane 112. In some embodiments, the membrane 112 may be similar or identical in terms of one or more included features and / or operation to one or more of the following: the membrane 24 described with respect to Figures 1A-1B, 2C and 3A-3B. All examples and conditional language listed herein are for pedagogical purposes to assist the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to further the technique, and should be interpreted without limitation to such specifically listed examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is hereby stated that, as of this date, the best method known to the applicant for putting the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

1. A reservoir, characterized in that it comprises: a housing, comprising an opening and a gas-impermeable wall, wherein the opening is configured to couple to a vascular access device; and a molecular precursor of a gaseous agent suspended in a hydrogel disposed within the housing, wherein the gaseous agent is antimicrobial, antithrombogenic, or both antimicrobial and antithrombogenic.

2. The tank according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening further comprises a membrane, wherein the membrane is permeable to gases and hydrophobic.

3. The tank according to claim 1, characterized in that the gaseous agent is nitric oxide.

4. The tank according to claim 1, characterized in that the molecular precursor of a gaseous agent is selected from S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine, S-nitrosoglutathione, sodium nitroprusside or a combination thereof.

5. The tank according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing further comprises a gas-permeable partition separating the housing into a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein the first chamber comprises the molecular precursor of the gaseous agent suspended in the hydrogel and the second chamber comprises a catalyst for the molecular precursor, wherein the second chamber is separated from the first chamber by a water-impermeable, perforable membrane.

6. The tank according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing comprises an upper housing and a lower housing, wherein the upper housing and the lower housing comprise a gas-tight wall and the lower housing further comprises the opening, wherein the upper housing is configured to couple to the lower housing.

7. The reservoir according to claim 6, characterized in that the housing further comprises a piercing mechanism, wherein after attaching the reservoir to the vascular access device, the piercing mechanism pierces the water-impermeable membrane.

8. The tank according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing further comprises a removable or perforable seal covering the opening.

9. The reservoir according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a wick that penetrates the housing.

10. System for infusing a gas into a vascular access device, characterized in that it comprises: a catheter interface, wherein the catheter interface comprises 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 engage with a reservoir and allow the passage of a gaseous agent from the reservoir to one or more lumens, wherein the reservoir comprises: a housing comprising an opening and an impermeable wall, wherein the opening is configured to engage with the connector of the catheter interface; and a molecular precursor of a gaseous agent suspended in a hydrogel disposed within the housing, wherein the gaseous agent is antimicrobial, antithrombogenic, or antimicrobial and antithrombogenic.

11. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the gaseous agent penetrates through the connector and into the lumen, wherein the gaseous agent provides antimicrobial, antithrombogenic, or both antimicrobial and antithrombogenic protection to at least one surface of the catheter system.

12. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises a fluid path in fluid communication between the reservoir and the lumen.

13. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the connector is a luer connector or a molded joining fitting, such that the reservoir housing is mechanically coupled to the catheter adapter in an interference fit.

14. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the connector further comprises a recessed projection and the housing opening further comprises a seal, wherein after coupling the connector to the tank the recessed projection pierces the seal.

15. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the connector further comprises a membrane, wherein the membrane is gas-permeable and hydrophobic.

16. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the opening of the tank further comprises a membrane, wherein the membrane is permeable to gases and hydrophobic.

17. A system for infusing a gas into a vascular access device, characterized in that it comprises: a stabilization device configured to couple to the vascular access device; and a reservoir comprising: a housing, comprising an opening and a gas-impermeable wall, wherein the opening is configured to couple to the vascular access device and the impermeable wall is coupled to the stabilization device; a molecular precursor of a gaseous agent suspended in a hydrogel disposed within the housing, wherein the gaseous agent is antimicrobial, antithrombogenic, or both antimicrobial and antithrombogenic.

18. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that the stabilization device further comprises an adhesive pad such that the stabilization device anchors the vascular access device to an insertion site.

19. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that the vascular access device further comprises a connector disposed on an outer surface, wherein the connector is a molded joining fitting such that the opening of the housing engages the vascular access device in an interference fit.

20. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that the housing opening further comprises a membrane, wherein the membrane is gas-permeable and hydrophobic.