Universal Cap for Male and Female Luer Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disinfecting devices for vascular access ports are limited in their ability to accommodate multiple types of connectors, leading to low compliance and variation in disinfection procedures, which increases the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections.
Innovation Solution
A universal disinfecting device with a cap and container system that includes an absorbent material and antimicrobial agent, capable of accommodating male and female luer connectors, as well as hemodialysis connectors, providing continuous disinfection and streamlining the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different disinfecting caps are used for male and female connectors, then each connector type can be disinfected appropriately, but the device complexity increases and compliance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is designed with a universal opening that can accommodate both male luer connectors and female luer connectors, as well as hemodialysis connectors. The interior wall surface includes engagement features that work with multiple connector types, allowing a single cap design to perform multiple disinfection functions without requiring different specialized caps for each connector type.
2Device complexity
If a universal cap design is used for multiple connector types, then device complexity decreases and compliance improves, but the precision of fit and disinfection contact may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cap's interior wall surface features localized engagement structures including radial protrusions and complementary depressions that provide precise mechanical engagement with specific connector types. The opening is sized and shaped to receive different connector types with appropriate frictional engagement, ensuring proper fit and disinfection contact for each connector type while maintaining a universal design.
3Ease of operation
If manual scrubbing procedures are used, then disinfection can be performed, but compliance is low and scrub time variation increases infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The cap contains an absorbent material saturated with disinfectant that automatically contacts the connector upon insertion. The design allows the connector to be simply inserted into the cap without requiring manual scrubbing actions, and the absorbent material provides continuous disinfection contact, making the procedure self-executing and significantly improving compliance while eliminating variation in scrub time.
4Reliability
If multiple disinfecting caps are maintained for different connectors, then each connector type receives appropriate disinfection, but loss of time for selecting and switching caps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap design accommodates multiple connector types including male luer connectors, female luer connectors, and hemodialysis connectors through a universal opening and engagement mechanism. This eliminates the need to select different caps for different connector types, reducing time loss while maintaining appropriate disinfection for each connector type.
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 device ensures consistent disinfection of various connectors, reducing the risk of infections by allowing a single device to handle multiple types, thereby improving compliance and reducing the risk of contamination.
Implementation Method 1
The absorbent material and the disinfectant or the antimicrobial agent contacts the male connector, the female connector, and the hemodialysis connector after insertion of the connector into the open end of the cap
Data Source
AI summary
A device for connection to a medical connector, the device includes a cap, a container 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.