Luer cap with antibacterial property

• US 20050124970A1
• Filed: 12/03/2004
• Published: 06/09/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/05/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Medical Components, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Medical Components, Inc.
• Inventors: Maenner, Joseph E., Kunin, David
• Application Number:
  US11/004,770
• Publication Number:
  US 20050124970A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/508
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/0019 Cleaning catheters or the like, e.g. for reuse of the device, for avoiding replacement
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/1033 Swivel nut connectors, e.g. threaded connectors, bayonet-connectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/10 Tube connectors; Tube couplings A61M39/02 takes precedence; connecting needles to syringes or hubs A61M5/34; connecting catheter tubes to hubs A61M25/0014
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/162 with antiseptic agent incorporated within the connector

Abstract

A luer fitting is disclosed. The luer fitting includes a body having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises an antibacterial component disposed therewith. The luer fitting is connected over a catheter that has been primed with a locking solution. The antibacterial component is fluidly engaged with the locking solution such that the antibacterial component diffuses through the locking solution. A method of reducing antibacterial activity in a catheter utilizing the fitting is also disclosed.

Claims

1. A luer fitting comprising a body having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises an antibacterial component disposed therewith.

2. The luer fitting according to claim 1, wherein the antibacterial component comprises silver.

3. The luer fitting according to claim 2, wherein the silver is a silver filament.

4. The luer fitting according to claim 1, wherein the first end comprises a male fitting.

5. The luer fitting according to claim 4, wherein the first end further comprises a threaded female fitting disposed exterior of the male fitting.

6. The luer fitting according to claim 4, wherein the male fitting comprises a longitudinal passageway extending toward the second end.

7. The luer fitting according to claim 1, wherein the first end is open.

8. The luer fitting according to claim 1, wherein the second end is closed.

9. The luer fitting according to claim 8, wherein the second end comprises a self sealing material.

10. The luer fitting according to claim 9, wherein the self sealing material comprises latex.

11. The luer fitting according to claim 1, wherein the first end comprises a luer fitting, wherein the antibacterial component is disposed within the luer fitting.

12. A luer fitting comprising a body having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end includes a stylet extending therefrom, wherein the stylet includes an antibacterial component disposed on an exterior thereof.

13. The luer fitting according to claim 12, wherein the antibacterial component comprises silver.

14. The luer fitting according to claim 12, wherein the stylet is tubular in shape.

15. The luer fitting according to claim 12, wherein the antibacterial component comprises a plurality of antibacterial components spaced along a length of the stylet.

16. The luer fitting according to claim 12, wherein the first end and the second end are in fluid communication with each other.

17. A method of reducing antibacterial activity in a catheter comprising:

providing a catheter having a lumen and a connector connected thereto;

inserting a lock solution into the lumen;

releasably affixing a luer fitting to the connector, wherein the luer fitting includes an antibacterial component; and

exposing the antibacterial component to the lock solution, wherein the antibacterial component disperses through at least a portion of the lock solution.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein releasably affixing the luer fitting to the connector comprises inserting a stylet into the lumen, wherein the stylet includes the antibacterial component.