Disinfecting luer cap and method of use
Inventors
Avula, Mahender • JENKINS, RICHARD P. • Sykes, Kenneth • HITCHCOCK, ROBERT • Ferguson, F. Mark
Assignees
HEALTH LINE INTERNATIONAL CORP., DBA HEALTH LINE MEDICAL PRODUCTS
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Publication Number
US-11752318-B2
Publication Date
2023-09-12
Expiration Date
Abstract
Medical devices including a cap for a medical connector are disclosed. In some embodiments, the cap comprises a disinfectant, such as an antiseptic fluid and an insert configured to seal or partially seal the medical connector as it is engaged with the cap. In some embodiments the cap insert has a segment which is deformable under axially applied pressure as an end-user attaches the cap to the medical connector. In some embodiments this insert is configured to improve the exposure of antiseptic to the outer surface of the medical connector while minimizing exposure of the antiseptic inside the medical connector open lumen.
Core Innovation
The invention describes a cap for a medical connector with a chamber containing an insert. The insert engages with the chamber and deforms during use, then at least partially returns to its original shape. In another claimed arrangement, the insert has an annular gap when unconstrained, and a compressive force from the connector deforms and radially expands the insert.
The described arrangement allows antiseptic fluid to flow around the insert toward the connector’s luer end, while compression can reduce the annular gap and limit fluid flow into the connector lumen. A compressible reservoir can release antiseptic during engagement and reabsorb it during disengagement. The background problem being addressed is not explicitly described in the provided patent content.
Claims Coverage
The provided relevant claims identify two independent claims: claims 1 and 12. Each covers a cap for a medical connector, with the claims focusing on an insert’s interaction with the chamber and its deformation during use. Across these claims, two inventive features are recited.
Insert that deforms and returns to its original shape
Claim 1 covers a cap with an opening configured to connect to a medical connector, a chamber, and an insert disposed at least partially in the chamber. The insert’s second end engages with the chamber, deforms during use, and at least partially returns to its original shape during use.
Insert with an annular gap that expands radially under compression
Claim 12 covers a cap with an opening configured to connect to a medical connector, a chamber, and an insert disposed at least partially in the chamber. An annular gap exists between the insert and the chamber’s inner wall when the insert is unconstrained. The connector applies compressive force to the insert’s first end, deforming its second end and radially expanding the insert.
The independent claims cover two cap arrangements: one centered on an insert that deforms and at least partially returns to its original shape, and another specifying an unconstrained annular gap and radial expansion of the insert under connector-applied compression.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
A cap for a medical connector, with an insert and antiseptic-fluid arrangement described for interaction with the connector’s luer end.
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