Catheter Access Port Sterilization Using UV-C Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter systems for intravenous therapy face challenges with sterilization methods, including the use of saline solutions that increase operating costs and power source depletion issues, leading to potential contamination and infection risks.
Innovation Solution
A catheter design incorporating a UV light source emitting UV-C radiation for sterilization, powered by a rechargeable battery system with a visible indicator, allowing for automatic disinfection of catheter access ports and reducing infection risks by minimizing the need for saline solutions and ensuring continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If saline solution is injected into the fluid well to transmit UV radiation through the catheter, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but operating costs increase and unnecessary burden is created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the saline solution requirement from the sterilization process. The UV light source is configured to emit radiation directly through the catheter lumen without requiring any transmitting medium, thereby removing the need for saline solution injection and its associated costs and burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical approach of using saline solution to transmit UV radiation with a direct optical approach. The UV light source directly emits radiation through the catheter material and lumen without requiring a fluid medium, substituting the saline transmission mechanism with direct light propagation.
2Device complexity
If the intravenous unit uses an existing power source that can be depleted, then device simplicity is maintained, but the unit may be rendered inoperable if the power source is exhausted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power source parameters by incorporating a rechargeable battery with higher capacity and longer duration. This allows the device to maintain operation for extended periods (e.g., 24 hours or more) without replacement, transforming the power source from a disposable or limited-capacity battery to a rechargeable, long-duration power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing a rechargeable battery that can be charged in advance during periods when the catheter is not in use. This ensures the power source is fully charged and ready for extended operation when needed, preventing operational interruption.
3Loss of time
If UV light source is activated automatically when luer device is inserted, then sterilization timing is improved, but device complexity increases with control circuit requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing the UV light source to activate automatically upon insertion of the luer device without requiring external control signals. The physical act of insertion itself triggers the sterilization process, making the system self-activating and eliminating the need for complex control circuits, switches, or programming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the insertion action with the activation trigger. The mechanical insertion of the luer device into the catheter hub simultaneously serves both as the connection action and as the trigger for UV light activation, combining two functions into one simple mechanical event.
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 UV-C light effectively sterilizes catheter systems and access sites, reducing infection risks and operating costs while ensuring continuous functionality through a reliable power source and efficient sterilization process.
Implementation Method 1
the light source is configured to emit ultraviolet light of a predetermined wavelength of 100-280 nm that is directed to disinfect the catheter access port
Implementation Method 2
a visible light indicator is mounted to the access port to indicate status of the device by flashing a visible color when the ultraviolet light is emitted from the light source
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for a catheter access port cleaning, disinfection or sterilization device are disclosed. The catheter access port cleaning, disinfection or sterilization device may comprise, a first housing having a power source and control circuit; a second housing shaped to mate with a catheter and having a first ultra-violet light source mounted therein, the first housing wired to the second housing to power the light source. When activated, the ultra-violet light source emits ultra-violet radiation that is transmitted from the second housing to the catheter attached to a patient. In this way, the device provides an efficient system for cleaning, disinfecting or sterilizing an access port in the second housing while reducing patient infections.