Dual-Chamber Universal Luer Cap for Continuous Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disinfecting caps for vascular access devices are limited to specific types of connectors, requiring multiple caps for different connector types and lacking continuous disinfection capabilities, leading to inconsistent and inefficient disinfection practices that increase the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections.
Innovation Solution
A universal cap design with dual chambers and seals, accommodating both male and female luer connectors, containing absorbent material and antimicrobial agents for continuous disinfection, ensuring compatibility with various disinfectants and maintaining sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate disinfecting caps are used for different connector types, then each cap can be optimized for its specific connector type, but device complexity and the number of caps required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disinfecting cap is designed with dual chambers, each containing different connector types (male and female Luer connectors), allowing a single cap to serve multiple functions and accommodate different connector types. This eliminates the need for multiple separate caps while maintaining effective disinfection for each connector type through dedicated chambers.
2Ease of operation
If traditional disinfecting caps are used, then the disinfection process is simple, but compliance is low and disinfection consistency varies
Solution Approach 1:
The cap pre-positions disinfectant material within sealed chambers, eliminating the need for clinicians to perform the disinfection action manually. The disinfectant is already in place and ready for contact with the connector, ensuring consistent and reliable disinfection every time the cap is applied, thereby improving compliance while maintaining ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If single-chamber caps are used, then the cap structure is simple, but it cannot provide continuous disinfection for multiple days
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is divided into two separate chambers, each containing disinfectant material and designed to work with specific connector types. This segmentation allows each chamber to be optimized for its specific function while enabling continuous disinfection over multiple days through the barrier wall that prevents cross-contamination between chambers.
4Reliability
If caps are designed for specific connector types only, then the cap design is optimized for that connector type, but adaptability to different connector types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cap integrates both male and female Luer connector designs within a single device, allowing it to adapt to and accommodate different connector types. The barrier wall separates the two connector types while maintaining overall structural integrity, enabling the cap to serve multiple purposes across different medical applications.
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 efficient, continuous disinfection of multiple connector types, reducing the risk of catheter-related infections by ensuring consistent disinfection without the need for multiple caps, thus enhancing patient safety and compliance.
Implementation Method 1
The first chamber containing an absorbent material and disinfectant or antimicrobial agent. The second 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, a barrier wall, a first seal, a second seal, a first annular wall including a plurality of internal threads, and a second annular wall including a plurality of external threads. Also described is a device for connection to a medical connector, the device includes a cap, a first seal, a second seal, a first annular wall including a plurality of internal threads, and a second annular wall including a plurality of external threads. The cap configured to define a first chamber to contain an absorbent material and disinfectant or antimicrobial agent and a second chamber to contain an absorbent material and disinfectant or antimicrobial agent. The cap includes one or more internal threads adapted to engage with a female luer connector. The cap also includes one or more external threads adapted to engage with a male luer connector. The first seal and the second seal prevent the disinfectant or the antimicrobial agent from exiting the first chamber and the second chamber.