Medical Fluid Connector With Integrated Antimicrobial Emitter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical fluid infusion systems face challenges in preventing microbial invasion during standby phases of fluid lines, requiring additional antimicrobial fluids and complex logistical processes.
Innovation Solution
A medical fluid connector with a retaining structure that securely positions an emitter of therapeutic agents, allowing fluid to flow around the emitter and emit antimicrobial agents into the fluid pathway, thereby creating a microbial block without the need for additional fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If antimicrobial fluid is infused into the fluid line to form a microbial block, then the risk of microbial invasion is reduced, but the complexity of the fluid supply system increases and additional medicinal fluids require storage and inventory management
Solution Approach 1:
The connector combines the fluid pathway with an integrated emitter structure that releases antimicrobial agents directly into the fluid line during standby phase, merging the antimicrobial delivery function with the existing fluid line infrastructure rather than requiring separate antimicrobial fluid storage and infusion systems
Solution Approach 2:
The connector with integrated emitter autonomously delivers antimicrobial agents into the fluid line during standby phase without requiring external intervention, additional fluid containers, or complex inventory management procedures
2Reliability
If antimicrobial fluid is infused and then aspirated and discarded, then microbial block is formed, but time is lost during the aspiration and disposal process
Solution Approach 1:
The emitter structure extracts and delivers antimicrobial agents directly into the fluid line during standby phase, eliminating the need for subsequent aspiration and disposal steps required by traditional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The emitter continuously releases antimicrobial agents into the fluid line during the standby phase, maintaining continuous protective action without interruption for aspiration or disposal procedures
3Reliability
If additional antimicrobial fluids and disposables are purchased and stored, then microbial block can be formed, but the burden on the fluid supply system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The emitter integrates antimicrobial agent delivery directly into the fluid line connector, combining the antimicrobial function with the existing fluid line infrastructure and eliminating the need for separate antimicrobial fluid storage and handling
Data Source
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AI summary
In some embodiments, a medical fluid connector is configured to receive an emitter of therapeutic agents to be emitted into a fluid pathway within the connector, the medical fluid connector comprising a proximal female end, an intermediate region, a distal male end, and a fluid pathway extending from the proximal female end, through the intermediate region, to the distal male end. A retaining structure is positioned within the intermediate region. The retaining structure is configured to securely receive an emitter of one or more therapeutic agents in a position and orientation where the fluid pathway is configured to convey fluid moving longitudinally through the fluid pathway directly into a proximal region of the emitter, around one or more lateral surfaces of the emitter, and toward the distal male end.