Invented by Jonathan Karl Burkholz, Huibin Liu, S. Ray Isaacson, Weston F. Harding, Lawrence J. Trainer, Becton Dickinson and Co

Antimicrobial caps for medical connectors are becoming increasingly popular in the healthcare industry. These caps are designed to prevent the growth and spread of harmful bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause infections and other health problems. As the demand for these caps continues to grow, the market for antimicrobial caps for medical connectors is also expanding. The use of antimicrobial caps for medical connectors is particularly important in hospitals and other healthcare facilities where patients are at a higher risk of infection. Medical connectors are used to connect various medical devices, such as catheters, IV lines, and other medical equipment. These connectors can become contaminated with bacteria and other microorganisms, which can then be transferred to patients, causing infections and other health problems. Antimicrobial caps are designed to prevent the growth and spread of these harmful microorganisms. These caps are made from materials that have been treated with antimicrobial agents, which kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. When placed over medical connectors, these caps create a barrier that prevents the transfer of bacteria and other microorganisms from the connector to the patient. The market for antimicrobial caps for medical connectors is driven by the increasing demand for infection control measures in healthcare facilities. Hospitals and other healthcare facilities are under pressure to reduce the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which are infections that patients acquire while receiving medical treatment. HAIs are a major public health problem, and they can be costly to treat and can lead to serious complications and even death. Antimicrobial caps for medical connectors are one of the many infection control measures that healthcare facilities are using to reduce the incidence of HAIs. These caps are relatively inexpensive and easy to use, making them an attractive option for healthcare facilities looking to improve infection control measures. The market for antimicrobial caps for medical connectors is also driven by the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem in healthcare, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to treat infections caused by these bacteria. Antimicrobial caps for medical connectors offer a way to prevent the spread of these bacteria, reducing the risk of infection and the need for antibiotics. In conclusion, the market for antimicrobial caps for medical connectors is growing as healthcare facilities look for ways to improve infection control measures and reduce the incidence of HAIs. These caps offer a simple and effective way to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and other microorganisms, making them an important tool in the fight against healthcare-associated infections. As the demand for these caps continues to grow, we can expect to see continued innovation and development in this area, leading to even more effective infection control measures in the future.

The Becton Dickinson and Co invention works as follows

The present invention is a cap that can be used on a connector for medical purposes. The present invention relates to a cap that is antimicrobial and can be placed over a connector. It has various features which maintain the connector’s antiseptic condition.

Background for Antimicrobial caps for Medical Connectors

Infusion therapy is the intravenous administration of medication. In order to perform a typical infusion, one or more devices (e.g. Tubing sets are often used. When removing a syringe from the male Luer end, or a syringe from the female Luer end, the tubing end is often exposed to non-sterile materials. When the tubing end is exposed, for example, the patient, nurse, or end can come into contact with non-sterile surfaces such as a table, floor, or bedding.

It is necessary to clean only the hub end or the needleless connector of the tubing, but not the other end. This is usually a male Luer. Infusion therapy devices, such as needleless connectors or IV sets, and short extension tubes, are disinfected with disinfection caps. These caps usually contain foam soaked in alcohol that contacts the surfaces of the port as the cap is attached. These caps can cause a variety of problems. The alcohol-soaked foam, for example, only touches the exterior surfaces of the port. Once a cap has been placed on the port, alcohol from the cap will quickly evaporate. Alcohol is often forced into the IV lines when alcohol is used.

Further still, certain types of female Luer connections trap liquids that are unable to be effectively treated by traditional disinfection caps. Side ports on catheter adapters are often used to inject IV fluids or medications into an IV line or directly into the bloodstream of a patient, particularly in emergencies. Ports may be used multiple times over the course of a catheter’s use, sometimes for more than seven days. When connected to the port, contaminated Luer access devices such as a needle syringe can transfer microorganisms onto the side wall or bottom of the port. It may lead to microorganism colonization and growth inside the port. This can pose a risk for infection. The disinfection caps currently available are not able disinfect these surfaces.

Thus, despite the fact that methods and systems exist to disinfect needleless connectors today, there are still challenges.” It would therefore be an improvement to the art if the systems and techniques discussed herein were used in addition or replacement of current techniques.

The present invention is a cap that can be used on a connector for medical purposes. The present invention relates to a cap that is antimicrobial and can be placed over a connector. It has various features which maintain the connector’s antiseptic condition.

Some implementations of the invention provide an antimicrobial hat with an inner surface that is coated with a non-bonded, dry antimicrobial substance. The dry, nonbonded antimicrobial materials dissolve quickly when exposed to residual fluids, forming a solution antimicrobial within the closed volume. “The antimicrobial material contacts the inner surface and outer surfaces of the connector that is inserted inside the cap.

Other implementations of the invention provide clip features on an outer surface of a cap. The clip feature allows the cap to be connected to an IV tubing section, or an IV rod to prevent it from contacting an unwanted surface, such a the ground. The antimicrobial cap dispensers and storage structures can be adapted to fit any clinician’s needs.

Some implementations of the invention also include an antimicrobial cap with an antimicrobial connector. The antimicrobial connector extends from an inner base surface and into a volume within a connector that has an interior space. The antimicrobial connector may be designed in various shapes and sizes to maximize the surface area of the cap or connector without compromising its function.

In certain instances, an antimicrobial hat is provided with a removable/disposable plug. The removable plug can be inserted through a hole in the base of cap opposite to the opening. To maintain an adequate antimicrobial action, the plug can be inserted and used.

Some implementations of this invention include an antimicrobial material attached to the base’s inner surface. The growth material includes an antimicrobial agent, or coating, that is eluted when the material comes into contact with a residual liquid. The growth material dehydrates and expands when exposed to liquid.

Further still, certain implementations of this invention include a cap with an inner surface that is coated with an antimicrobial grease. When the cap is placed on a connector, the antimicrobial oil is transferred to both the outer and the inner surfaces. The antimicrobial lubricant is left on the connector and cap surfaces after the cap has been removed.

This summary is intended to provide a simplified version of a number of concepts that are described in greater detail in the Detailed description. This Summary does not aim to identify the key features or essential elements of the claimed matter. It is also not meant to be used to determine the scope of claimed subject matter.

Additional features and benefits of the invention are described in the following description. In part, they will be evident from the description or can be acquired by practicing the invention. Features and advantages of this invention can be obtained and realized by using the instruments and combinations specifically mentioned in the appended claim. The following description, together with the appended claims will make these and other features more apparent. Or you can learn them by practicing the invention.

The present invention is a cap that can be used on a connector for medical purposes. The present invention relates to a cap that is antimicrobial and can be placed over a connector. It has various features which maintain the connector’s antiseptic condition.

As used in this document, the term “connector” is understood to include any structure that is part of an intravenous device and capable of making a connection with a secondary intravenous device. Any structure on an intravenous system that can connect to a second intravenous system is considered a connector. “Needleless connectors are non-limiting examples in accordance with this invention. Other connectors include y-ports, port-valves, side-port valves and other structures.

Referring to FIG. 1. An antimicrobial cap is shown. Antimicrobial caps 10 are generally made of a polymer that can be used with the fluids and chemicals commonly used in infusion procedures. Cap 10 can be made of poly vinyl chloride, for example. Cap 10 has an opening 12 with a sufficient diameter to accommodate a connector. Connector 30 may have a surface that can be inserted into opening 12 of cap 10 in some cases. In some cases, connector 30 may be a male Luer connection. Other times connector 30 is a syringe. In some cases, connector 30 also includes a side or y port of a cather adapter. Other times connector 30 is a catheter, an IV tube, or a catapult.

In some embodiments, connector 30 is connected to cap 10 via a threaded connection. In some cases, cap 10 may have a set or internal or external threads which are threadedly engaged with a complementing set of threads on the connector. Cap 10 may also be fitted to connector 30 by friction or interference.

Antimicrobial Cap 10 further comprises an interior surface 14 that defines a volume large enough to receive connector 30. Inner surface 14 can be generally tubular. However, in some cases inner surface 14 may taper inwardly between opening 12 and the cap’s bottom 16. Inner surface 14 can be any shape or geometry as desired.

The volume 10 is the space within cap 10 that extends from opening 12 down to the base 16″ The volume of cap 10 is usually selected so that connector 30 can be placed within cap 10, in order to maintain cap 10’s antiseptic state. Antimicrobial cap 10 also comprises antimicrobial material 20, which is applied to the inner surface 14. The antimicrobial materials 20 can be any form or type of material that is suitable for use according to the present invention. In some cases, antimicrobial material is chosen from the group consisting, for example, of silver sulfadiazine (silver acetate), silver acetate (silver citrate hydrate), cetrimide (cetyl pyridium chloride), benzalkonium chloride, ophthalaldehyde and silver element.

In some embodiments, the antimicrobial coating 20 is a non-bonded, dry coating applied by a well-known method to the inner surface 14. In some embodiments, antimicrobial material is applied by brushing, spraying or dipping to the inner surface 14. Antimicrobial material 20 may also comprise a UV-cured polymer matrix containing an antimicrobial agent that is uniformly distributed. The antimicrobial material is not chemically bonded to the polymer matrix and can be eluted from the matrix if the matrix is wetted or exposed to a residual liquid.

When connector 30 is placed on cap 10, connector 30 reduces its volume. Connector 30 and antimicrobial caps 10 create a closed space between interconnected devices once they are secured together. When exposed to residual fluid from connector 30, dry, non-bonded, antimicrobial material 20, is quickly dissolved by the residual fluid. This results in an antimicrobial liquid within the closed volume. 2. “The antimicrobial solution, which is contained in the closed volume, is exposed to the entire surface of the needleless adapter 30, and the inner surface 14, positioned inside the closed volume.

Click here to view the patent on Google Patents.