Inline IV Sterilizer UV Chamber Flow Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack a reliable and efficient way to re-sterilize intravenous fluids downstream of breach points in IV systems, which can lead to nosocomial infections, and existing solutions like inline filters create flow resistance or require periodic replacement.
Innovation Solution
An inline IV fluid sterilization system using UV radiation within a cassette with concentric walls that allows capillary flow, ensuring exposure to UV light for sterilization without filters or periodic service, mounted upstream of the patient access point to maintain sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an inline microbial filter with 0.22 micron pore size is used to reduce infection risk, then sterility is improved, but flow resistance increases and flow rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical filtration system (inline microbial filter with 0.22 micron pores) with a UV radiation-based sterilization system. The UV-C lamp emits ultraviolet radiation that sterilizes the IV fluid in the transparent chamber without creating mechanical flow resistance, thereby maintaining required flow rates while achieving sterility.
2Reliability
If an inline microbial filter is used to ensure sterility, then infection risk is reduced, but the filter requires periodic replacement as it becomes filled with particulates
Solution Approach 1:
The UV radiation sterilization system replaces the mechanical filter that accumulates particulates and requires periodic replacement. The UV-C lamp continuously sterilizes the fluid passing through the transparent chamber without any consumable components that need replacement, eliminating maintenance requirements during treatment cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The UV sterilization system provides continuous self-service sterilization without requiring external intervention or maintenance. The lamp remains active throughout the IV treatment cycle, automatically sterilizing all fluid that passes through the chamber without needing filter changes or other maintenance actions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the IV system is manipulated for medication administration, then treatment flexibility is improved, but the risk of contamination at breach points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UV sterilization chamber is positioned downstream of all potential breach points (medication injection sites, connectors) and upstream of the patient access point. This preliminary sterilization action ensures that any contamination introduced during medication administration is eliminated before the fluid reaches the patient, allowing flexible manipulations while maintaining sterility.
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 system effectively sterilizes IV fluids at required flow rates without damaging them, reducing the risk of nosocomial infections by ensuring fluid sterility downstream of breach points, and operates without the need for filter replacement or service during treatment cycles.
Implementation Method 1
The chamber is accessed by a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port between which the fluid flows. The inner wall allows for transmission of UV light into the chamber so as to deliver a sterilizing energy to the fluid that is sufficient to kill most or all of any microbiological life therein.
Data Source
AI summary
An inline intravenous (IV) fluid sterilization system can be located within directly upstream of the patient's access point, downstream of any breach points, so as to ensure fluid sterility. The chamber space between the walls is accessed by a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port between which the fluid flows. The inlet port is connected to a conduit/tubing from the fluid source and the outlet port is interconnected with a conduit/tubing that is free of breach points and interconnects to the patient access point. The inner wall allows for transmission of UV light into the fluid space. The walls define a space therebetween that is relatively small radially, allowing for a sufficient flow rate, but providing a large surface area and small fluid depth for exposure to the UV light. The UV light is provided by an elongated lamp within a cavity of the inner wall.