Light-Coupling Cap Sterilization for CVCs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Central Venous Catheters (CVCs) are prone to infections due to colonization by pathogenic microorganisms, leading to Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections (CRBSIs), which are serious and costly. Existing sterilization methods, such as hand hygiene and chemical disinfection, are not sufficient to eliminate the risk of CRBSIs.
Innovation Solution
A light-coupling end cap system that safely applies ultraviolet (UV) light to the intraluminal part of CVCs and other medical devices, killing microorganisms by damaging their DNA through photochemical reactions. The system includes an outer shroud, an inner connector interface with a frustoconical shape, and an optic within the inner connector interface, allowing for secure connection to medical devices and effective light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical disinfection methods are used to sterilize CVCs, then some level of disinfection is achieved, but patient health risks from chemical exposure and antibiotic resistance occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical disinfection methods with a light-based sterilization system. The end cap incorporates optical components (lens, light guide) that deliver light energy to sterilize the catheter interior without chemical exposure. This substitutes chemical action with optical/photonic action, eliminating chemical residue risks while maintaining disinfection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The end cap serves as an intermediary device that delivers sterilization energy to the catheter. It includes a light guide that transmits light from an external source through the catheter, and optical components that focus and distribute the light evenly. This intermediary mechanism enables sterile delivery of light energy without direct chemical contact with the patient.
2Device complexity
If traditional sterilization methods are used, then the process is simple, but they cannot eliminate CRBSI risk effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization system is segmented into distinct functional components: an end cap with optical elements, a light guide, and an external light source. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system manageability. The end cap segments the sterilization function from the light source, enabling portable and controlled application.
Solution Approach 2:
The end cap is designed as a universal interface that can be attached to various catheter types (different lumens, diameters). It incorporates adjustable optical components and multiple light guides to accommodate different catheter configurations, making the system versatile across multiple medical applications while maintaining effective sterilization.
3Reliability
If UV light is applied to sterilize CVCs, then CRBSI risk is reduced, but safe application to intraluminal parts must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The end cap incorporates optical components (lens, light guide) that concentrate and direct UV light precisely into the catheter lumen where sterilization is needed. The optical design ensures high light intensity is delivered only to the intraluminal surfaces requiring sterilization, while minimizing UV exposure to surrounding areas and protecting sensitive components through selective optical pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The end cap with its optical components serves as an intermediary that safely delivers UV light to the catheter. The light guide and lens system control the UV radiation, directing it precisely where needed while preventing excessive exposure. This intermediary mechanism enables safe and effective sterilization by mediating between the UV source and the catheter interior.
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 UV light-coupling end cap system effectively reduces or eliminates CRBSIs by ensuring thorough disinfection of CVCs and other medical devices, without the risks associated with chemical exposure or antibiotic resistance.
Implementation Method 1
UV light can kill microorganisms by damaging their DNA through photochemical reactions
Implementation Method 2
The photochromic or irreversible photoreactive chemical substance can be incorporated or embedded into the material of the sterilizer cap
Data Source
AI summary
A light-coupling cap can sterilize targets including connectors and other devices such as catheters with Luer fittings conforming to ISO 594 or ISO 80369 standards. The cap can be disposable. A light-coupling cap can reversibly attach to a connector of a target, creating a physical seal and barrier between the inside of the connector and the outside environment while at the same time transmitting light into the connector. A sterilizer can be connected to the end cap while the end cap is connected to the target. The sterilizer can include a UV light emitter that emits UV light through the end cap into the target. The light-coupling end cap sterilization system can be self-healing by measuring internal performance indicators and adjusting its operation in response to them. The light-coupling end cap sterilization system can provide to the user an indication of the amount of light dosage applied to the target.