Antimicrobial Catheter with 222 nm Far UVC Light Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional approaches for accessing bodily systems through foreign members, such as needles or catheters, pose a significant risk of infection due to the introduction of pathogens through the insertion site, with chemical antimicrobial solutions offering diminishing effectiveness over time.
Innovation Solution
An antimicrobial light-emitting device that uses a circumferential frame with LEDs emitting 222 nm far UVC or 405 nm visible blue light to create a barrier against pathogens at the insertion site, providing continuous 360-degree antimicrobial illumination around percutaneous and urinary catheter insertion points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical antimicrobial substances are applied around the insertion point, then initial antimicrobial protection is achieved, but effectiveness diminishes over time requiring repeated applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical antimicrobial substances with a light-based system (222 nm far UVC or 405 nm visible blue light LEDs) that provides continuous antimicrobial protection without the diminishing effectiveness of chemical agents. The light-emitting device is positioned around the insertion site to deliver sustained illumination that eradicates bacteria and pathogens continuously, eliminating the need for repeated chemical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary antimicrobial action by illuminating the insertion site with antimicrobial light before pathogens can establish infection. The light is applied continuously from the moment of insertion, creating a protective barrier that prevents bacterial entry and proliferation along the catheter tract before the infection can take hold.
2Ease of operation
If foreign members such as needles or catheters are inserted to access bodily systems, then treatment delivery is enabled, but infection risk increases due to pathogen entry through the insertion site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary protective barrier between the foreign member (catheter/needle) and the pathogens in the environment. The light-emitting device creates a sterile zone around the insertion site and along the catheter tract, allowing the foreign member to perform its treatment function while the light intermediary continuously eliminates pathogens that might otherwise contaminate the insertion pathway.
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
Significantly reduces the risk of infection by effectively eradicating bacteria and pathogens at the insertion site, offering a more reliable and long-lasting solution compared to chemical antimicrobial approaches.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination source has a wavelength having an ability to eradicate microorganisms; in a particular configuration, the illumination source includes one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), each LED providing an antimicrobial and safe light emission having a wavelength substantially around 222 nm or 405 nm
Data Source
AI summary
An antimicrobial urinary catheter device comprising a circumferential array of safe, antimicrobial lights around a urinary catheter directed for disinfecting the distal urethra, urethral meatus, and adjacent indwelling urinary catheter.