Fiber Optic Disposable Light Delivery System for Catheter Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reducing or eliminating infectious agents on and around catheters are of low efficacy, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates, and existing UV light disinfection methods can damage living cells, while resistant strains like MRSA pose additional challenges.
Innovation Solution
A medical device assembly that delivers non-ultraviolet therapeutic electromagnetic radiation (EMR) through a catheter to inactivate infectious agents and promote healthy cell growth, using a light-energy source with controlled intensity and radial emission capabilities for safe and effective disinfection and healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV light is used for disinfection, then infectious agents are effectively inactivated, but living cells are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of electromagnetic radiation from ultraviolet (UV) range to visible light range (specifically 405 nm to 904 nm). This parameter change maintains the ability to inactivate infectious agents while eliminating the harmful effects on living cells that occur with UV exposure. The visible light wavelengths are selected to achieve therapeutic effects without the DNA-damaging properties of UV radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts potentially harmful high-intensity UV radiation into beneficial therapeutic visible light. By using visible light in the 405-904 nm range, the system achieves disinfection and therapeutic effects without the harmful side effects of UV exposure, effectively turning a harmful approach into a beneficial one.
2Reliability
If current disinfection methods are used, then some infectious agents are reduced, but efficacy remains low against resistant strains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal light delivery system that can effectively treat multiple types of infectious agents including drug-resistant strains like MRSA. The visible light wavelength range (405-904 nm) is selected to have broad-spectrum efficacy against various pathogens, making the system versatile and adaptable to different infection types without requiring strain-specific adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs specific visible light wavelength parameters (405 nm to 904 nm) that have been shown to be effective against resistant bacterial strains. This parameter selection enables the system to overcome resistance mechanisms that render traditional antibiotics ineffective, providing a new mechanism for inactivating resistant pathogens.
3Reliability
If high intensity light is used to inactivate infectious agents, then disinfection effectiveness increases, but harm to surrounding tissues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the intensity and duration parameters of light delivery to achieve therapeutic effect without excessive harm. By using visible light in the 405-904 nm range at controlled intensities and durations, the system achieves sufficient inactivation of infectious agents while staying below thresholds that would cause significant damage to surrounding living tissues.
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 solution effectively reduces or eliminates infectious agents on and around catheters while minimizing harm to living tissues, reducing the risk of biofilm growth and infections, and is particularly effective against resistant strains like MRSA.
Implementation Method 1
The optical element may comprise at least one LED, laser, or fiber optic filament
Implementation Method 2
delivery of therapeutic doses of non-ultraviolet light to inactivate infectious agents
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic radiation (EMR) delivery system for delivering EMR at wavelengths, intensities, exposures, and durations to locations inside and/or outside a patient's body in, on, and surrounding a tubular structure such as a tube, catheter, and/or a catheter extension to prevent, reduce, and/or eliminate infectious agents in, on, or surrounding the tubular structure. A smart light engine box generates the therapeutic EMR, controls treatments, and monitors the health of the system. A fiber optic disposable makes at-home use of the EMR delivery system possible. Specific embodiments of the EMR delivery system for use with peritoneal dialysis catheters, dialysis accesses, and hemodialysis accesses are also disclosed.