Luer Connector Sterilizing Element for Complex Surface Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sterilizing medical device connection sites, such as luer connections and needle access ports, are inadequate due to the limitations of small, flimsy antiseptic wipes that fail to effectively clean complex surfaces, leading to a higher risk of patient infections.
Innovation Solution
A contoured, pre-moistened sterilizing element designed to fit the contours of medical device end-sites, allowing for thorough cleaning and application of an antipathogenic agent, with options for ergonomic housing and easy access, ensuring complete coverage of both inner and outer surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a small folded antiseptic towelette is used to sterilize connection end-sites, then the sterilizing process can be performed portably and quickly, but the towelette cannot adequately contact and clean complex surfaces, cracks, crevices, grooves, threads, lumens, and septums due to its small size and flimsy characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilizing device is divided into multiple functional components: a housing containing the antiseptic solution, a removable sterilizing element with various attachments for different surface types, and a pumping mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilizing device incorporates multiple sterilizing elements and attachments that can address various complex surfaces including cracks, crevices, grooves, threads, lumens, and septums. The device can be configured with different brushes, swabs, or spray nozzles to handle diverse sterilization needs, making it universally applicable to medical devices with intricate geometries.
2Loss of time
If traditional wiping methods are used with small towelettes, then the process is simple and quick, but the specified amount of time and accuracy required to achieve effective microbe kill cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a pumping mechanism that delivers controlled amounts of antiseptic solution to the sterilizing element, ensuring consistent and accurate application. The system may include indicators or sensors that provide feedback on the sterilization process status, helping users ensure adequate contact time and coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to automatically pump and apply the antiseptic solution through the sterilizing element, reducing reliance on manual manipulation. This self-service mechanism ensures consistent application pressure and duration, improving both accuracy and reproducibility of the sterilization process.
3Reliability
If a larger more robust sterilizing element is used to adequately clean complex surfaces, then coverage and effectiveness improve, but the device becomes less portable and more difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilizing element is designed to nest within the housing when not in use, with various attachments capable of being stored within the main body. This nested configuration minimizes the device's footprint and enhances portability while allowing access to full-sized sterilizing components when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilizing element and its attachments are designed to be removable and replaceable, allowing the device to adapt dynamically to different sterilization needs. The modular design enables users to configure the device with appropriate attachments for specific medical devices while maintaining compact storage when 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 solution provides effective sterilization of medical device end-sites, reducing the risk of infections by ensuring thorough disinfection of intricate surfaces, with rapid drying times and minimal residue, maintaining sterility until use.
Implementation Method 1
A wiping and/or a twisting motion is used to wipe debris from and apply a layer of an antipathogenic agent to the site
Implementation Method 2
The sterilizing element is pre-moistened with an antipathogenic agent
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for sterilizing the outer and inner surfaces of a working end-site of a medical device such as a catheter hub, luer connector, luer component, needleless access site, and/or access port are discussed. The sterilizing device can include a housing, a sterilizing element including an antipathogenic agent configured for sterilizing the working end-site of a medical device, and a cap hingedly coupled to the housing and configured to hermetically seal the sterilizing element within the housing. One or more features on the cap and housing serve to hermetically seal the cap to the housing prior to use.