Surgical Drain Sterilization via UV Sealed Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical drains lack an effective method for cleaning and sterilization, leading to a risk of infection due to bacterial and fungal contamination, which can prolong recovery and increase hospital complications.
Innovation Solution
A device that emits ultraviolet light is used to decontaminate surgical drains by creating a sealed environment within a container, allowing ultraviolet radiation to neutralize bacteria and microorganisms on the drain tubing and bulb, thereby reducing infection risk without disrupting the drain's use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical drains are used to prevent seroma formation, then wound healing is improved, but the risk of bacterial contamination and infection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by sterilizing the surgical drain with ultraviolet light before it is inserted into the patient's body. The drain is placed in a sterilization container with UV light sources that activate to sterilize the drain's exterior surface, internal chamber, and fluid ejection path beforehand, preventing bacterial contamination from the outset while maintaining the drain's infection-prevention function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary sterilization system consisting of a container with ultraviolet light sources that acts as a mediator between the drain and the patient's body. This intermediary device transfers sterilization energy to the drain without direct contact, eliminating harmful bacteria and fungi on the drain's surfaces and in its internal chambers before clinical use
2Duration of action of stationary object
If surgical drains remain in place for extended periods to ensure complete drainage, then seroma prevention is improved, but the infection risk increases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sterilization of the entire drain assembly including the collection chamber and ejection mechanism before insertion, creating an initial sterile state that allows the drain to remain in place longer without immediate infection risk
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous useful action by allowing the drain to remain in place for extended periods through initial thorough sterilization, while the sealed container design prevents recontamination during use, maintaining the sterile state throughout the drainage period
3Object-affected harmful factors
If closed drain systems are used to reduce infection risk, then precautions against infection are improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization container serves multiple functions: it stores the drain before use, provides a sealed environment for ultraviolet sterilization, and maintains sterility during transport and application. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sterilization equipment and procedures, simplifying the overall system while maintaining infection prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed container acts as an intermediary that combines the sterilization function with the storage and transport function, creating a unified system that reduces complexity compared to separate sterilization and storage systems
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 ultraviolet light decontamination method effectively reduces bacterial and fungal contamination on surgical drains, minimizing the risk of infection and improving post-operative recovery outcomes without requiring redesign of existing drain systems.
Implementation Method 1
one or more ultraviolet light emitters disposed within the interior
Implementation Method 2
applying ultraviolet radiation to the surgical drain within the container
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for decontaminating a surgical drain and its reservoir are provided. An apparatus is provided in the form of a container having an interior chamber and an expansible opening to the interior chamber for insertion of a surgical drain therethrough. Ultraviolet light emitters are disposed within the interior chamber to emit beams of ultraviolet radiation at the surgical drain and/or its reservoir, thereby killing or neutralizing bacteria and fungus on the drain. Walls forming the expansible opening are collapsible to abut a portion of the inserted drain when inserted into the apparatus, and a fluid tight seal is formed between the drain and the apparatus.