Antimicrobial Introducer and Needle for Vascular Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional needles and introducers used for vascular access are prone to transmitting surface bacteria and infectious agents into the patient's tissue and vascular system during insertion, despite sterilization efforts, leading to inflammation and potential infections.
Innovation Solution
An antimicrobial-coated introducer and needle system where the skin-contacting surfaces are treated with antimicrobial materials such as nitrofurazone-coated silicone, silver ions, or chlorhexidine, preventing pathogens from adhering and growing on these surfaces during insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sterilization methods are used on needles and introducers, then the devices are free from contamination in packaging, but surface bacteria and infectious agents can still be transmitted during insertion procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by coating the needle and introducer surfaces with antimicrobial agents (such as chlorhexidine, silver ions, or other biocidal substances) before the insertion procedure. This pre-treatment ensures that when the devices contact the skin and underlying tissues during insertion, the antimicrobial coating is already in place to prevent bacterial adhesion and transmission, rather than relying solely on sterilization that occurs before packaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining the base materials of the medical devices (needle steel, introducer polymer) with antimicrobial coating layers. These composite structures integrate the mechanical properties of the base materials with the biocidal properties of the coating, creating a multi-functional device that both performs its mechanical function and prevents infection simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If needle and introducer surfaces contact skin during insertion, then vascular access is achieved, but infectious agents on skin surface are drawn into the insertion site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by equipping the needle and introducer surfaces with antimicrobial coatings that actively counteract the harmful effect of skin bacteria before contact occurs. The coating creates a biocidal barrier that prevents bacterial adhesion and kills or inactivates infectious agents upon contact, thereby preemptively neutralizing the infection risk associated with skin contact during the necessary insertion procedure.
3Reliability
If antimicrobial coating is applied to needle and introducer surfaces, then infection risk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the surface properties of the needle and introducer through coating with antimicrobial substances. This changes the chemical and biological parameters of the surface (making it biocidal) while maintaining the mechanical parameters (shape, size, strength) of the original devices. The coating process can be integrated into existing manufacturing workflows, and the added complexity is minimal compared to the significant improvement in infection prevention.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The antimicrobial coating significantly reduces the risk of infectious agent transmission into the patient's tissue and vascular system, providing enhanced protection against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections beyond conventional sterilization methods.
Implementation Method 1
antimicrobial materials such as nitrofurazone-coated silicone, silver ions, or chlorhexidine, preventing pathogens from adhering and growing on these surfaces
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for threading a conduit into a communication with a vein or artery beneath the skin of a patient, during insertion of components such as a PICC line is provided. Surfaces of a hollow needle, dilator, and sheath included in kit, and which are anticipated to contact the skin of a patient during the procedure are provided with an antimicrobial surface area formed thereon. The surface area so positioned prevents bacteria and other pathogens from occupying the contacting surfaces and thereby being communicated into the tissue below the patient's skin.