Ultraviolet sterilizing drainage catheter
Inventors
Tang, Cha-Min • Bigeleisen, Paul E. • Galvagno, JR., Samuel M. • Shirtliff, Mark E.
Assignees
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Publication Number
US-11285293-B2
Publication Date
2022-03-29
Expiration Date
2034-11-06
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
A device disclosed herein includes a tubular member which is flexible and configured to receive ultraviolet (UV) light from a UV illumination coupler. The tubular member contains a lumen defining a longitudinal interior space within the tubular member, a tubular body bounded by an inner wall defining an outer boundary of the lumen and an outer wall defining an outer surface of the tubular member, at least one optical fiber disposed outside of the interior space not parallel to an axis of the lumen and adapted to receive the UV light from the UV illumination coupler, and a protective component adapted to prevent substantively all of the UV light emitted from the optical fiber from exiting the outer wall. Methods for producing and using such devices are also disclosed herein.
Core Innovation
The invention disclosed is a UV sterilizing device comprising a flexible tubular member configured to receive ultraviolet (UV) light via a UV illumination coupler. The tubular member includes a lumen that defines a longitudinal interior space, bounded by an inner and outer wall. One or more optical fibers, disposed outside the interior space and not parallel to the axis of the lumen, are adapted to receive UV light and emit it along at least a portion of the lumen. A protective component prevents nearly all UV light emitted from the optical fibers from exiting the outer wall, thereby limiting radiation exposure to tissues.
The problem addressed arises from high incidence of catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), where traditional interventions like antimicrobial coatings have inconsistent efficacy and are challenged by antimicrobial-resistant organisms. UV irradiation is recognized for its antimicrobial effects but poses risks to mammalian tissue due to DNA damage from UV exposure. The invention solves this by controlling the direction and intensity of UV light emissions within the device lumen to inactivate microorganisms without exposing adjacent tissues to harmful UV radiation, while maintaining catheter flexibility.
The apparatus uses optical fibers arranged, for example, in spiral or helix shapes inside the tubular member to irradiate the catheter lumen effectively. Reflective and UV-absorbent materials within the tubular body control light paths to maximize UV dose internally while minimizing external UV exposure. The device can be part of treatment methods where UV light is transmitted inside body lumens to inactivate infective agents. Methods for producing the device involve affixing optical fibers to flexible materials, rolling them to form the tubular structure, sealing, and attaching the UV illumination coupler.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains one independent device claim, one independent method of making claim, and one independent treatment method claim, each featuring distinctive inventive aspects related to UV sterilizing catheters and associated methods.
Tubular member with helix-shaped optical fiber embedded in UV transmissive material forming non-smooth bore
A device having a flexible tubular member with an inner wall defining a lumen and an outer wall, wherein at least one optical fiber in a helix shape is disposed within the tubular member, embedded in UV transmissive material, and adapted to emit substantially all UV light into the longitudinal interior space while forming a non-smooth bore.
Protective component preventing UV light from exiting the outer wall
The tubular member includes a protective component such as a UV reflective material or coating between the optical fiber and outer wall or forming the outer wall to prevent substantially all UV light emitted from the optical fiber from exiting the tubular member.
Optical fiber configuration for controlled UV emission
Optical fibers can include diffusive optical fibers to direct UV light radially or non-diffusive fibers terminating at specific lumen portions to illuminate selective areas. Fibers can be embedded in the inner wall or tubular body and may form bundles encircling the lumen circumference.
UV source and illumination system integrated with catheter
The device can include at least one UV light source emitting light between about 250 nm to 300 nm, such as LEDs, laser diodes, or quantum dot based sources, attached via a UV illumination coupler. The system may include a power source, current controller, and socket for controlled UV light delivery.
Method of producing the catheter with fiber-containing flexible structure
The method involves affixing optical fibers to flexible material to form a fiber-containing structure, rolling this structure to create a hollow lumen space, sealing it to form a tubular member, and attaching the UV illumination coupler.
Treatment method using the UV catheter device
The method consists of inserting the catheter lumen into a subject's body cavity, passing fluid or solids through the lumen, and transmitting UV light via the illumination coupler to inactivate a therapeutically effective amount of infective agents within, achieving at least two orders of magnitude reduction with no measurable tissue DNA damage.
The inventive features collectively define a flexible UV sterilizing catheter device with internally arranged optical fibers that deliver controlled UV light to inactivate microorganisms, protective layers to prevent UV escape, integrated UV sources, methods of constructing such devices, and a method for their therapeutic use to reduce infection risks without harming tissue.
Stated Advantages
Effectively reduces or prevents intra-luminal bacterial and microbial growth by directed UV irradiation.
Protects bodily tissues and surrounding objects by preventing harmful UV light exposure outside the catheter lumen.
Maintains device flexibility allowing catheter to follow body lumen contours.
Enables in situ device sterilization reducing catheter associated urinary tract infections.
Provides precise control over UV intensity and distribution inside the device through optical fiber configuration and reflective coatings.
Can be adapted for various indwelling and non-indwelling medical devices beyond urinary catheters.
Documented Applications
Preventing catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) through self-sterilizing indwelling urinary catheters.
Use in peritoneal dialysis systems.
Gastrointestinal tubes such as nasogastric and feeding tubes.
Intravenous devices including central venous catheters, vascular shunts, and peripherally inserted central catheters.
Membrane lung devices for long-term pulmonary support (e.g., extracorporeal blood oxygenation).
Oropharyngeal airway tubes including endotracheal tubes.
Tracheobronchial suction catheters.
Cerebrospinal fluid shunts and drains.
Devices for vacuum-assisted closure therapies.
Colostomy bags and tubing.
Catheters and tubing for subcutaneous administration of insulin or other medications.
Swan-Ganz catheters and umbilical lines for fluid and blood administration, removal, or storage.
Interested in licensing this patent?