Antimicrobial Light-Emitting Device for Catheter Dressings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Catheter-related infections remain a significant concern despite advancements in catheter materials, insertion techniques, and dressing protocols, as current methods struggle to maintain continuous, effective antimicrobial action without disrupting the catheter site.

Innovation Solution

An antimicrobial light-emitting device is integrated into catheter dressings and securement devices, emitting light at wavelengths effective against bacteria and fungi, providing continuous or periodic light exposure to the catheter insertion site without removing the dressing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sterile dressings and antimicrobial solutions are used, then initial infection protection is improved, but continuous antimicrobial action is lost due to dressing changes and site disruption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfection protectionVSAvoidcontinuous antimicrobial action

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/chemical antimicrobial methods (sterile dressings, antimicrobial solutions requiring application and dressing changes) with an optical system (light-emitting device) that provides continuous antimicrobial action without physical disruption. The light source emits antimicrobial wavelengths through the semi-permeable membrane continuously, eliminating the need for mechanical intervention and maintaining uninterrupted protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The light-emitting device is designed to provide continuous antimicrobial irradiation through the semi-permeable membrane without interruption. The device remains in place for the duration of catheter use, emitting light continuously or periodically to maintain constant antimicrobial action, unlike traditional methods that require periodic dressing changes that interrupt protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Duration of action of stationary object

If antimicrobial light-emitting device is integrated into dressing, then continuous antimicrobial action is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous antimicrobial actionVSAvoiddressing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The semi-permeable membrane serves multiple functions: it acts as the barrier through which light passes to provide antimicrobial action, serves as the structural component of the dressing that secures the light-emitting device to the skin, and allows selective permeability for light transmission while maintaining a protective seal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the light-emitting device, power source, control circuitry, and semi-permeable membrane into an integrated unit. The dressing structure itself becomes the mounting substrate for the electronic components, eliminating the need for separate housings or attachment mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If light source is attached to dressing, then non-invasive antimicrobial treatment is improved, but ease of operation decreases due to integration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrobial load reductionVSAvoiddressing application

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed to be applied and activated by healthcare providers during routine catheter insertion procedures. Once applied, the device operates autonomously without requiring further manual intervention or adjustment. The integrated power source and control systems manage operation automatically, reducing the operational burden on healthcare workers while maintaining continuous therapeutic effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 device effectively reduces microbial load at the catheter site, potentially decreasing the incidence of catheter-related infections, while being safe for human tissue and compatible with various catheter types and dressings.

Implementation Method 1

Light, specifically in wavelengths with antimicrobial properties, has been demonstrated to effectively inhibit the growth of common pathogens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntimicrobial light effect: Photodissociation

Implementation Method 2

The light source is attached to or embedded within the dressing or securement device, allowing for continuous or periodic light exposure to the catheter insertion site

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS20250135224A1Antimicrobial light-emitting device and method for catheters

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 LUMINARY LLC

AI summary

An antimicrobial-light emitting light device comprising a skin-safe antimicrobial light source, power source, and an attachment for use with catheter dressings or catheter securement devices. A method of reducing catheter-related infections, comprising providing a skin-safe antimicrobial light-emitting device, positioning the antimicrobial light to bathe the skin entry site of a catheter, and reducing the bacterial burden in the region around the skin entry site of a catheter.