Universal Disinfecting Cap for Male and Female Luer Connectors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current disinfecting caps for vascular access devices are limited to specific types of connectors, requiring multiple caps for different connector designs, and compliance with disinfection protocols is low, leading to increased risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections.
Innovation Solution
A universal cap design that accommodates multiple types of connectors, featuring a cap with inwardly extending protrusions and internal threads for male and female luer connectors, containing an absorbent material and disinfectant or antimicrobial agent, and a peelable seal to ensure continuous disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different caps are used for different connector types, then each cap can be optimized for its specific connector, but device complexity increases and versatility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is designed with multiple engagement surfaces including inwardly extending protrusions for male connectors and internal threads for female connectors, allowing a single cap to accommodate both male and female Luer connectors and other connector types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized caps
2Reliability
If manual disinfection procedures are used, then flexibility in disinfection timing is maintained, but compliance decreases and infection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap contains pre-loaded absorbent material saturated with disinfectant or antimicrobial agent, preparing the disinfection mechanism in advance so that when the cap is attached to a connector, disinfection occurs automatically without requiring manual intervention or compliance with complex procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The cap performs disinfection autonomously through passive diffusion of the antimicrobial agent from the absorbent material to the connector surface, eliminating the need for active manual scrubbing or complex disinfection protocols while maintaining reliable infection prevention
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 cap provides effective disinfection for various connectors, reducing the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections by ensuring consistent disinfection across different types of connectors, enhancing compliance and safety in medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The cap comprises an integral body, a closed end, an annular wall having a length extending from the closed end to an open end that defines a chamber containing an absorbent material and disinfectant or antimicrobial agent
Data Source
AI summary
A device for connection to a medical connector, the device includes a cap having an annular wall having an exterior wall surface and an interior wall surface including a plurality of inwardly extending protrusions sized and shaped to frictionally engage a male luer, and a peelable seal. The cap configured to define a chamber to contain an absorbent material and disinfectant or antimicrobial agent. The cap includes one or more threads adapted to engage with a female luer connector. The cap is adapted to engage a male luer connector in a press-fit connection. The peelable seal prevents the disinfectant or the antimicrobial agent from exiting the chamber. Also described are methods of disinfecting a medical connector, and apparatuses comprising a device for disinfecting a medical connector.