Abstract:
Various embodiments of an antimicrobial stopcock medical connector is provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to a stopcock tap having fluid channels provided on portions of the outer surface of the stopcock tap, whereby fluid bypasses the stopcock through the fluid channels by flowing between the outer surface of the stopcock tap and the inner surface of the stopcock housing. Some embodiments further comprise an antimicrobial coating or insert that is provided in the one or more fluid channel, whereby fluid flowing through the fluid channels contacts the antimicrobial coating or an antimicrobial agent that is eluted from the antimicrobial coating. Further still, some embodiments of the present invention comprise an antimicrobial groove that is positioned opposite the fluid channel, whereby when the stopcock is in an "off" position, the antimicrobial groove contacts fluid within a blocked port thereby preventing microbial growth therein.
Abstract:
A handheld antiseptic dispensing applicator device having a reservoir for storing an antiseptic agent, the reservoir being coupled to an applicator pad, and a defeatable membrane or barrier being interposed between the reservoir and the applicator pad. Embodiments of the device comprise a squeezable reservoir, wherein the internal hydraulic pressure of the squeezable reservoir is increased via user applied forces to thereby defeat the membrane releasing the antiseptic agent contained therein which is then absorbed by the applicator pad. The defeatable barrier or membrane is also removable or may be defeated in connection with other mechanisms according to various embodiments.
Abstract:
The present invention extends to a disinfection cap for disinfecting a male luer end of an infusion therapy device. The disinfection cap can include an internal reservoir containing an antimicrobial or saline solution which is sealed with a flexible septum to prevent the solution from evaporating. The septum can include one or more slits or pierceable seams that allow a male luer end of an infusion therapy device to be inserted through the septum and into the solution. While the male luer is inserted through the septum, the solution contacts both the inner and outer surfaces of the male luer. Because the septum reduces evaporation of the solution and prevents the solution from leaking out of the cap, the solution remains in contact with the male luer for a longer duration then when typical disinfection caps are used thereby increasing the effectiveness of the disinfectant.
Abstract:
Inserts can be formed with elution characteristics to cause the inserts to elute an antimicrobial agent when subject to a fluid within a medical device. An insert can be formed with a desired geometry to allow the insert to be compression fit within a medical device to prevent the insert from moving or becoming dislodged once inserted into the medical device. The material may also be hygroscopic so that the insert swells when subject to a fluid thereby enhancing the compression fit of the device within the medical device. In some cases, the material can be reinforced using an internal structure. Inserts can be formed in many ways including by casting, thermoforming, or extrusion. In some cases, the inserts can be formed using a peel-away sleeve or material. The peel-away sleeves can be formed of a non-sticky material which facilitates removal of the inserts once the inserts have cured.
Abstract:
Ports, such as the ports of ported catheters or of female luer fittings, can be configured to include an antimicrobial septum for disinfecting devices that are attached to the ports. The antimicrobial septum can be positioned within the lumen of the port. The lumen can include an annular recess for securing the antimicrobial septum in place during use. The antimicrobial septum can include an antimicrobial lubricant which transfers onto a device, such as a male luer, as the device passes through the septum thereby killing any microbes that may be present on the surfaces of the device. The antimicrobial septum can be configured in various shapes including a continuous disk shape, a ring shape, or an elongated ring or tube shape.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a cap for a medical connector. More specifically, the present invention related to an antimicrobial cap for placement over a connector, wherein various features of the antimicrobial cap maintain the connector in an antiseptic state.
Abstract:
An IV catheter system (100) having a catheter component (102) with a catheter hub (120), a cannula (126) extending distally from the hub, and a push feature protruding outwardly from the hub. The IV catheter system may also have a needle component (104) with a needle hub (150), a needle (154) extending distally from the hub along an axis, and a grip extending from the hub, generally parallel to the axis, with a pull feature. In the insertion configuration, the needle may be positioned within the cannula and the distal end of the needle hub may be seated in a needle port of the catheter hub. In the fluid delivery configuration, the needle may be positioned outside the catheter hub. The push and pull features may be positioned to facilitate manipulation with a single hand to move the IV catheter system from an insertion configuration to a fluid delivery configuration.
Abstract:
A catheter assembly (10) comprising a catheter (18), a needle (12) having a sharp distal tip (13), and a catheter hub (14) connected to the catheter (18) having the needle (12) passing therethrough, the catheter hub (14) including a valve (19) having a preformed opening (22) that selectively permits or blocks a flow of fluid through the catheter (18), a first inner diameter (32) that closes the valve (19), and a second inner diameter (30) larger than the first inner diameter (32), the second inner diameter (30) opening the valve (19), wherein the valve (19) is in an open position upon axially compressing the valve (19) into engagement with the second inner diameter (30) of the catheter hub (14), and the valve (19) is in a closed position upon releasing the valve (19) to engage the first inner diameter (32) of the catheter hub (14).
Abstract:
Various embodiments of an antimicrobial insert for a stopcock medical connector are provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to an antimicrobial insert that is seated within at least a portion of the annular bore of the connector's tap, wherein fluid within the annular bore contacts the antimicrobial insert, thereby preventing microbial proliferation within the stopcock medical connector.
Abstract:
[0099] Inserts can be formed with elution characteristics to cause the inserts to elute an antimicrobial agent when subject to a fluid within a medical device. An insert can be formed with a desired geometry to allow the insert to be compression fit within a medical device to prevent the insert from moving or becoming dislodged once inserted into the medical device. The material may also be hygroscopic so that the insert swells when subject to a fluid thereby enhancing the compression fit of the device within the medical device. In some cases, the material can be reinforced using an internal structure.