Disinfection Cap with Blockage Feature and Depressible Foam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disinfection methods for medical connectors, particularly male luer connectors, are inadequate in preventing disinfectant ingress into the blood stream and fail to provide effective disinfection due to compliance issues and inadequate protection against microbial contamination.
Innovation Solution
A disinfection cap with a housing containing a blockage feature and a depressible open cell foam structure that blocks the lumen of the luer connector, releasing disinfectant fluid to disinfect the hub and periphery while preventing ingress into the fluid path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a needleless connector is disinfected using alcohol pads by scrubbing the hub, then the disinfection process can be performed, but compliance is very low and there is variation in scrub time, dry time and number of times the connector is scrubbed
Solution Approach 1:
The disinfection cap automatically dispenses the appropriate amount of disinfectant onto the hub when activated by the user, eliminating the need for manual measurement and application. The system self-regulates the disinfection process, ensuring consistent application without requiring user knowledge or attention to timing details.
Solution Approach 2:
The disinfectant is pre-loaded into the cap before use, and the cap is designed to automatically apply the correct amount to the hub upon activation. This preliminary preparation and automatic application eliminates the need for users to manually handle disinfectant bottles and control application timing.
2Reliability
If disinfectant is applied to the hub and periphery, then effective disinfection can be achieved, but there is risk of disinfectant ingress into the lumen and fluid path
Solution Approach 1:
The cap design includes a barrier or shield that directs disinfectant application specifically to the hub and periphery areas that require disinfection, while preventing the disinfectant from entering the lumen. Different regions of the connector are treated differently - the hub receives disinfectant while the lumen remains protected.
Solution Approach 2:
A physical barrier or intermediary structure within the cap prevents direct contact between the disinfectant and the lumen opening. This intermediary element allows the disinfectant to effectively treat the hub area while blocking its path into the fluid pathway, eliminating the harmful ingress risk.
3Ease of operation
If male luer connectors are left exposed without protection, then access is easy, but they are subject to contamination when not protected properly
Solution Approach 1:
The disinfection cap is designed to fit over the male luer connector in a nested configuration, with the cap containing the connector during storage and transport. The cap can be easily removed when access is needed, providing continuous protection without permanently obscuring the connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is made from flexible, thin-walled material that allows it to conform to the connector shape while maintaining a protective barrier. This flexible construction enables easy donning and doffing while maintaining continuous protection against contamination when the connector is not in use.
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 disinfection cap effectively disinfects the luer connector hub and periphery, reducing the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections by blocking disinfectant ingress and providing a mechanical barrier against microbial contamination.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid is releasably retained within a depressible open cell foam structure disposed within the cavity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A disinfection cap is described for connection to a medical connector, the disinfection cap including a housing having a top wall and sidewall forming a cavity, a blockage feature disposed on the top wall of the cavity, the blockage feature for fluidly blocking a hub of a luer connector, disinfectant or antimicrobial agent disposed within an open cell foam structure within the cavity. The open cell foam structure releasing the disinfectant or antimicrobial agent as the open cell foam structure is depressed by the hub of the luer connector.