Dual Luer Connector Flush Syringe for Infection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flush syringe systems for vascular access devices (VADs) pose a risk of infection due to the potential reuse of contaminated syringe connectors, which can lead to catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI).
Innovation Solution
A flush syringe with a syringe coupler that allows for two separate flushing procedures using new, sterile Luer connectors, reducing the risk of infection by ensuring each connection is made with a fresh, sterile connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a single flush syringe is used for multiple flushing procedures, then the number of syringes needed is reduced, but the risk of infection increases due to potential reuse of contaminated connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe connector is divided into two separate connectors: a first connector for initial flushing and a second connector for subsequent flushing procedures. This segmentation allows each connector to be used once and then discarded, eliminating the need to reuse the same connector and thereby reducing infection risk while still using a single syringe body for multiple procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the connector system are assigned different functions and sterility requirements. The first connector is designed for initial use with a sterile barrier, while the second connector is provided as a separate sterile component. This local differentiation ensures that each connection point maintains appropriate sterility without requiring the entire syringe system to be reused.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If new, sterile Luer connectors are used for each flushing procedure, then the risk of VAD infection is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate Luer connectors are integrated into a single syringe assembly, combining the functionality of multiple connectors into one unified device. The first and second Luer connectors are positioned at different locations on the syringe body, allowing both to be used sequentially without requiring two separate syringe units, thus reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The syringe assembly is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple flushing procedures through its dual connector configuration. The single syringe body serves multiple purposes by accommodating two connectors, eliminating the need for multiple separate syringes and reducing the complexity of managing multiple devices.
3Reliability
If sequential flushing with a second flush syringe is performed, then residual medication delivery is improved, but the number of syringes and clinician time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flushing function is segmented into two sequential operations within a single syringe: a first flushing procedure through the first Luer connector and a second flushing procedure through the second Luer connector. This segmentation enables complete medication delivery without requiring two separate syringes, thereby reducing clinician time while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual connector design allows continuous flushing action without interruption between procedures. After the first flush through the first connector, the second connector can be immediately activated for the second flush, ensuring continuous patency maintenance and complete medication delivery without the time loss associated with changing syringes.
Data Source
AI summary
A flush syringe with a syringe coupler facilitates twice dispensing of intravenous flushing solution to a patient's vascular access device (VAD), with reduced risk of VAD infection. The syringe coupler incorporates a female, first Luer connector on its proximal end that is removably coupled to the male, barrel Luer connector of the syringe, isolating the latter connector from external contamination. The syringe coupler also has a single-use, male, second Luer connector on its distal end of the housing that is adapted for coupled insertion into the patient's VAD, for delivery of at least a portion of the flushing solution retained within the syringe. After the first delivery, the syringe coupler is de-coupled from both the VAD and the syringe. Thereafter, the syringe's unused, sterile, male, barrel Luer connector is directly coupled to the VAD for dispensing the second portion of the flushing solution.