Antimicrobial Retainer with Light Activation for MRSA Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preventing and treating nosocomial infections in healthcare settings are limited in providing immediate protection and are ineffective against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria such as MRSA and Staphylococcus epidermidis, as well as viruses like HSV-1, which pose significant health and economic burdens.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a retainer that combines an antimicrobial solution with specific wavelengths of light to create a synergistic effect, enhancing the antimicrobial activity and providing therapeutic treatment by retaining the solution against tissue while exposing it to certain wavelengths of light, thereby eliminating or reducing microorganisms causing disease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If antibiotic modalities are used to treat nosocomial infections, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but antibiotic resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines light therapy with antimicrobial solutions to create a synergistic treatment approach. The light source activates the antimicrobial solution to produce reactive oxygen species that kill bacteria, while the retainer ensures prolonged contact between the activated solution and the infection site. This combination provides effective treatment without relying solely on antibiotics, thereby addressing antibiotic resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and chemical properties of the antimicrobial solution through light activation. The light source transforms the antimicrobial solution from an inactive state to an active state with high oxidative potential, enabling it to effectively kill resistant bacteria. The retainer maintains optimal concentration and contact time parameters for sustained therapeutic effect.
2Reliability
If current infection control protocols are implemented, then prevention measures are established, but immediate protection against resistant strains is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the treatment preoperatively to eliminate bacteria before surgery, preventing infection before it occurs. The retainer is applied to the surgical site beforehand, and the antimicrobial solution is activated by light to create a protective barrier against potential contamination during surgery. This preliminary action provides immediate protection that current protocols cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer serves as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between the antimicrobial solution and the infection site. It ensures prolonged and consistent contact between the activated solution and the tissue, enhancing the effectiveness of the treatment while allowing for immediate protection against resistant strains.
3Reliability
If antimicrobial solutions are applied to tissue, then antimicrobial activity is achieved, but the effect duration is limited without prolonged contact
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed to maintain continuous contact between the antimicrobial solution and the treatment site for an extended period. The flexible retainer conforms to the body part and holds the solution in place, ensuring uninterrupted therapeutic action. This continuous contact allows the activated antimicrobial solution to effectively eliminate bacteria over time, addressing both acute and persistent infections.
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 combination of antimicrobial solutions and light wavelengths achieves a greater antimicrobial effect than either component alone, effectively reducing or eliminating nosocomial infection-causing pathogens, including MRSA and HSV-1, with potential for preoperative and postoperative use.
Implementation Method 1
a number of fiber optic cables having a first end connected to a light source and a second end connected to a number of light terminations rigidly connected to the retainer
Implementation Method 2
a number of heating elements connected to the retainer for therapeutic treatment
Implementation Method 3
The combination of antimicrobial solutions and light wavelengths achieves a greater antimicrobial effect than either component alone
Data Source
AI summary
According to an exemplary embodiment, a retainer for therapeutic treatment may be provided. The retainer for therapeutic treatment may include: a retainer that may retain a antimicrobial solution against tissue; a number of heating elements connected to the retainer for therapeutic treatment; a number of power supply cables connected to the number of heating elements; a number of antimicrobial solution delivery elements connected to the retainer for therapeutic treatment that may deliver an antimicrobial solution; a number of pieces of tubing having a first end connected to a antimicrobial solution reservoir and a second end connected to a number of antimicrobial solution delivery elements; a number of fiber optic cables having a first end connected to a light source; and a number of light terminations rigidly connected to the retainer for therapeutic treatment and connected to the second end of the fiber optic cable.