Antimicrobial IV Set with 405 nm Light Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intravenous pump sets do not effectively address bacterial colonization at patient access sites, which can lead to infections and reduce catheter dwell times.
Innovation Solution
An antimicrobial intravenous administration set that includes a light source emitting indigo light with a wavelength of approximately 405 nm, which is transmitted through a fiber optic filament or tubing, to reduce bacterial colonization along the tubing and at the patient access tip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional intravenous pump sets are used without antimicrobial measures, then the device complexity remains low, but bacterial colonization occurs at patient access sites leading to infections and reduced catheter dwell times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the intravenous fluid delivery system with an antimicrobial light source integrated into the pump housing. The light source is positioned to illuminate the patient access tip and proximal tubing through a transparent window, merging infection prevention functionality with the existing IV pump structure. This integration allows the system to simultaneously perform fluid delivery and bacterial reduction without requiring separate antimicrobial devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary agent between the pump system and the bacterial contamination problem. The light source emits blue-violet light (405-450 nm wavelength) that acts as a mediator to reduce bacterial colonization on the tubing and patient access tip. This intermediary approach allows antimicrobial action without direct chemical contact with the patient or medicament, solving the contradiction by adding a non-invasive functional layer to the existing system.
2Reliability
If antimicrobial chemicals are used to reduce bacterial colonization, then bacterial growth is inhibited, but harsh chemicals may contaminate the medicament or irritate the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical antimicrobial agents with a physical light-based system. The pump housing includes an integrated light source that emits blue-violet light to reduce bacterial colonization, eliminating the need for chemical disinfectants that could contaminate the medicament or irritate the patient. This substitution maintains infection prevention while removing harmful chemical factors from the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of antimicrobial action from chemical concentration to light wavelength and intensity. By using blue-violet light in the 405-450 nm range, the system exploits specific optical properties to achieve bacterial reduction without chemical contamination. The light parameters are optimized to be effective against bacteria while being safe for patient exposure, resolving the contradiction between infection prevention and chemical safety.
3Reliability
If frequent catheter insertions are required due to bacterial colonization, then infection risk is reduced, but patient discomfort and procedural time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary antimicrobial action by continuously illuminating the patient access tip and proximal tubing with blue-violet light from the integrated light source. This preliminary protection prevents bacterial colonization before it can cause infection, allowing the catheter to remain in place longer without increasing infection risk. The continuous light exposure creates a protective effect that extends catheter dwell time and reduces the frequency of reinsertion procedures.
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 light reduces bacterial colonization without using harsh chemicals, thereby increasing catheter dwell times and reducing the need for frequent insertions, while being safe for human eyes.
Implementation Method 1
the light is transmitted via a fiber optic filament
Implementation Method 2
the light has antimicrobial properties. In certain embodiments, the light is an indigo light. In certain embodiments, the indigo light has a wavelength from the visible light spectrum of approximately 405 nm
Data Source
AI summary
An intravenous administration set is disclosed. The intravenous administration set includes a fluid container that contains a medicament and has an outlet on a proximal end thereof, a patient access tip that has an inlet on a distal end and a proximal end configured to be inserted into a patient, a tubing that has a distal end coupled to the outlet of the fluid container and a proximal end coupled to the distal end of the patient access tip, a pump coupled to the tubing between the fluid container and the patient access tip, and a light source emitting a light along the tubing toward the patient access tip.