Apparatus for antimicrobial use

• US 5,049,139 A
• Filed: 02/23/1990
• Issued: 09/17/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 08/29/1987
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Giltech Limited
• Inventors: Gilchrist, Thomas
• Primary Examiner(s): Pellegrino, Stephen C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Rafa, Michael
• Application Number:
  US07/465,146
• Time in Patent Office: 571 Days
• Field of Search: 604/27-29, 604/54, 604/265, 604/905, 128/912
• US Class Current: 604/265
• CPC Class Codes: A01N 2300/00 Combinations or mixtures of active ingredients covered by classes A01N27/00 - A01N65/48 with other active or formulation relevant ingredients, e.g. specific carrier materials or surfactants, covered by classes A01N25/00 - A01N65/48
• CPC Class Codes: A01N 59/16 Heavy metals; Compounds thereof
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2300/104 Silver, e.g. silver sulfadiazine
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2300/404 Biocides, antimicrobial agents, antiseptic agents
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 29/16 Biologically active materials, e.g. therapeutic substances A61L29/048 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/0056 provided with an antibacterial agent, e.g. by coating, residing in the polymer matrix or releasing an agent out of a reservoir
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/1027 Quick-acting type connectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0017 specially adapted for long-term hygiene care, e.g. urethral or indwelling catheters to prevent infections
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/162 with antiseptic agent incorporated within the connector
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 604/905 Aseptic connectors or couplings, e.g. frangible, piercable

Abstract

Apparatus for use in fluid flow lines to or from a living body in order to reduce the incidence or growth of bacteria comprising in the flow line a connecting member which includes water-soluble silver impregnated glass, whereby the glass undergoes slow dissolution with concomitant release of silver into the fluid. The silver has antibacterial or bacterial static properties.

Claims

1. Apparatus for antimicrobial use in passage of fluid to or from a living body, the apparatus comprising a conduit for insertion into the body, a reservoir for fluid and a connector member for connecting said conduit to said reservoir external of the body, wherein said connector member includes a water-soluble glass impregnated with elemental silver or a compound of silver, said water-soluble glass defining at least a part of a passageway for fluid to flow between the reservoir and the conduit.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connector member comprises a first portion having an end adapted for connection with said conduit and a second portion having an end adapted for connection with said reservoir, the first and second portions being releasably secured together to define a fluid passageway between the reservoir and the conduit and at least one of the first and second portions having an internal lining of said impregnated water-soluble glass.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the first and second portions of the connector member has a pair of spaced shoulders between which said lining of impregnated water-soluble glass is retained.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the connector member comprises tubing having said impregnated water-soluble glass dispersed therein.

5. Apparatus according to claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein said reservoir contains water-soluble glass impregnated with elemental silver or a compound of silver.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the impregnated water-soluble glass in the reservoir is disposed within an apertured container.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the container is in the form of a flexible braided pouch having interstices through which liquid can pass.

8. Apparatus according to claims 1, 2, or 3, wherein the impregnated water-soluble glass is granular.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the impregnated water-soluble glass has a surface layer of elemental silver.

10. A connector member having an inlet and an outlet and having walling defining a through passageway for flow of liquid from the inlet to the outlet, at least a part of said walling being formed of water-soluble glass impregnated with elemental silver or a compound of silver.