Methods and apparatus for coupling an electromagnetic radiation conduction system into a catheter
Inventors
Barneck, Mitchell D. • Rhodes, Nathaniel L. • Allen, James P. • de la Presa, Martin
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10729916-B2
Publication Date
2020-08-04
Expiration Date
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for the inactivation of infectious agents in, on or around a catheter residing in a patient's body cavity. The method comprises a coupling adapter for facilitating the transmission of non-ultraviolet sterilizing electromagnetic radiation (EMR) substantially axially along an optical element into the catheter body. Through delivery of the sterilizing EMR to particular areas of highest infection, the present disclosure is able to inactivate the major sources of infection in catheters.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to catheter sterilization using non-ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation (EMR) delivered axially through catheter internal lumens. An EMR source is coupled to a catheter hub assembly such that the EMR is received and propagated through at least a portion of the catheter by an optical element and an optical element termination point. The EMR is directed to high-infection regions including a transcutaneous insertion site portion and a distal end tip portion.
A coupling adapter converges multiple sources into a catheter, where at least one source is an EMR source having a coupling element connected to an optical element that facilitates propagation of EMR through at least a portion of the catheter. The coupling adapter includes a convergence chamber that communicates with the catheter and receives EMR from the EMR source for communication with the optical element. The convergence chamber further comprises an adjustable optical diversion element assembly for redirecting EMR into at least one of the catheter, at least one internal lumen, and the coupling adapter.
The approach supports multi-lumen catheter variants in which EMR is transmitted via a dedicated internal lumen connected to an EMR receiving coupling. The document also describes optical element technologies for propagation, including reflective coating or layers and full internal reflection. In addition, the invention encompasses optional sterilization of fluid lines and enabling fluid injection and/or removal while EMR propagation occurs, including a fluid internal lumen suitable for injecting fluid to inflate a balloon. Example applications are stated across multiple body cavities including vascular, urinary, gastrointestinal, cranial, spinal, and ophthalmic.
Claims Coverage
The provided claims include one independent claim and several dependent claims that narrow the coupling adapter by adding structural and functional details. Across the claim set, the core inventive features include a convergence-chamber coupling adapter for EMR delivered through catheter internal lumens with an adjustable optical diversion element assembly, and optional coordination with fluid injection/removal and balloon inflation.
Converging multiple sources into a catheter via an EMR receiving coupling and optical element
A coupling adapter for converging multiple sources into a catheter, at least one source being an EMR source having a coupling element connected to an optical element that facilitates propagation of EMR through at least a portion of the catheter.
Convergence chamber communicating internal lumens with catheter for EMR propagation
A plurality of internal lumens, each connected to one of the plurality of couplings, at least one internal lumen connected to the EMR receiving coupling and conducive to propagation of sterilizing EMR, where a convergence chamber has each internal lumen communicating with the convergence chamber, the convergence chamber connected to the catheter and receiving EMR from the EMR source for communication with the optical element to facilitate propagation of EMR through at least a portion of the catheter.
Adjustable optical diversion element assembly for redirecting EMR
The convergence chamber further comprises an adjustable optical diversion element assembly for redirecting the EMR into at least one of the catheter, at least one of the internal lumens, and the coupling adapter.
Axial propagation enhancement via EMR receiving coupling and optical element
The coupling adapter is configured so that an EMR receiving coupling communicates with an optical element to enhance axial propagation of the EMR.
Fluid receiving coupling and fluid internal lumen for coupling adapter functionality
The coupling adapter includes at least one fluid receiving coupling connected to a fluid internal lumen among its plurality of couplings and internal lumens.
Simultaneous fluid injection/removal with EMR propagation
The coupling adapter is configured so that injection of fluid and/or removal of fluid from the catheter can occur simultaneously with propagation of EMR into the catheter.
Fluid internal lumen suitable for injecting fluid to inflate a balloon
The coupling adapter includes a fluid internal lumen suitable for injecting fluid into a catheter to inflate a balloon.
The claims define an EMR-capable catheter coupling adapter that converges sources through a convergence chamber communicating with the catheter and internal lumens. EMR propagation is facilitated by an optical element from an EMR source via an EMR receiving coupling, and EMR is redirected using an adjustable optical diversion element assembly. Dependent claims further narrow the adapter by specifying axial propagation enhancement and inclusion of fluid couplings and fluid internal lumens, including simultaneous fluid injection/removal with EMR propagation and a balloon-inflation fluid lumen use case.
Stated Advantages
Sterilization of a catheter using non-ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation (EMR).
Facilitation of propagation of sterilizing EMR through at least a portion of the catheter via an optical element and internal lumens.
Redirecting EMR into at least one of the catheter, at least one internal lumen, and the coupling adapter using an adjustable optical diversion element assembly.
Enhanced axial propagation of the EMR.
Capability for injection of fluid and/or removal of fluid simultaneously with propagation of EMR into the catheter.
A fluid internal lumen suitable for injecting fluid to inflate a balloon.
Documented Applications
Catheter access for vascular, venous, arterial, gastrointestinal, urological, respiratory, cranial, spinal, and ophthalmic applications.
Sterilization directed to high-infection regions including a transcutaneous insertion site portion and a distal end tip portion.
Catheter systems including multi-lumen catheter variants with EMR transmitted via a dedicated internal lumen.
Sterilization of fluid lines.
Balloon catheter use via a fluid internal lumen suitable for injecting fluid to inflate a balloon.
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