Catheter Adaptor Using Far-UVC for Skin Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for disinfecting skin tissue around catheters are inadequate, leading to poor disinfection, adverse health effects, antibiotic resistance, and increased risk of infections such as CLABSI and CRBSI, with existing solutions focusing on inner lumen disinfection and posing hazards like carcinogenic effects from UVC radiation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an adaptor with a light source emitting UVC light away from the catheter, targeting the skin around the catheter insertion site, using Far-UVC radiation (200-230 nm) to reduce infection risk without exposing the catheter or surrounding tissues to harmful radiation, and incorporating antimicrobial coatings to enhance disinfection efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UVC radiation (254 nm) is used for disinfection, then germicidal effect is improved, but carcinogenic effect and eye hazard worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of UVC radiation from the conventional 254 nm to the Far-UVC range (200-230 nm). This parameter change maintains the germicidal effect while reducing the carcinogenic risk and eye hazard associated with longer wavelength UVC radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful Far-UVC radiation into a beneficial disinfection tool by directing it specifically at the skin surface around the catheter insertion site. The adaptor design ensures that the radiation is contained and targeted, transforming a hazardous agent into a controlled therapeutic intervention.
2Reliability
If UVC radiation is directed at skin tissue, then disinfection effect is improved, but radiation exposure risk worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor design implements local quality by concentrating the Far-UVC radiation specifically at the skin surface around the catheter insertion site. The optical elements and adaptor structure ensure that radiation is delivered only where needed, minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue and reducing overall radiation risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor acts as an intermediary device between the UVC light source and the skin tissue. It controls and directs the radiation pathway, ensuring that Far-UVC light is delivered safely and effectively to the target area while protecting surrounding tissues from unnecessary exposure.
3Reliability
If existing disinfection systems are used, then infection prevention is improved, but healthcare worker burden worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service disinfection by allowing continuous or periodic automated disinfection of the skin around the catheter insertion site. The adaptor can be integrated with the catheter setup and operated automatically or with minimal user intervention, reducing the ongoing burden on healthcare workers while maintaining effective infection prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous or frequent disinfection action rather than relying on periodic manual interventions. The adaptor can maintain continuous Far-UVC radiation or deliver frequent pulses, ensuring ongoing protection against infection without requiring repeated healthcare worker involvement.
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 system effectively reduces the risk of pathogenic infections by disinfecting the skin around catheters without adverse health effects, overcoming antibiotic resistance, and minimizing the need for healthcare staff intervention, while ensuring the catheter remains safe from UVC radiation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source for emitting UVC light, wherein the light source is arranged such that the UVC light is emitted away from and/or within the adaptor
Implementation Method 2
it is known to possess a bacteriostatic effect
Implementation Method 3
The wavelength of the UVC light is preferably between 200 nm and 230 nm
Implementation Method 4
incorporating antimicrobial coatings to enhance disinfection efficacy
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system for disinfecting skin tissue around catheters. The system comprises an adaptor, wherein the adaptor defines a catheter entry opening for entry of a catheter into the adaptor and a catheter exit opening for exit of the catheter from the adaptor. The adaptor comprises an outer surface and an inner surface which defines an inner cavity for receiving at least a section of the catheter, wherein the inner cavity extends from the catheter entry opening to the catheter exit opening. The system further comprises at least one light source for emitting UVC light, wherein the light source is arranged such that the UVC light is emitted away from the adaptor. The disclosure further relates to a method of disinfecting skin tissue around a catheter inserted into the skin of a patient. The disclosure further relates to the use of a catheter in a system disclosed herein.