US20030018373A1 - Method and apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a region on a patient - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a region on a patient Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20030018373A1
US20030018373A1 US10/173,135 US17313502A US2003018373A1 US 20030018373 A1 US20030018373 A1 US 20030018373A1 US 17313502 A US17313502 A US 17313502A US 2003018373 A1 US2003018373 A1 US 2003018373A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
light
sterilization
catheter
act
region
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/173,135
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Richard Eckhardt
Geoffrey Jenkins
Sandra Kimball
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
UV-SOLUTIONS A MASSACHUSETTS Corp LLC
UV-Solutions LLC
Original Assignee
UV-Solutions LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by UV-Solutions LLC filed Critical UV-Solutions LLC
Priority to US10/173,135 priority Critical patent/US20030018373A1/en
Assigned to UV-SOLUTIONS, LLC, A MASSACHUSETTS CORPORATION reassignment UV-SOLUTIONS, LLC, A MASSACHUSETTS CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ECKHARDT, RICHARD, JENKINS, GEOFFREY H., KIMBALL, SANDRA
Publication of US20030018373A1 publication Critical patent/US20030018373A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M39/00—Tubes, tube connectors, tube couplings, valves, access sites or the like, specially adapted for medical use
    • A61M39/10—Tube connectors; Tube couplings
    • A61M39/16—Tube connectors; Tube couplings having provision for disinfection or sterilisation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/0005—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor for pharmaceuticals, biologicals or living parts
    • A61L2/0011—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor for pharmaceuticals, biologicals or living parts using physical methods
    • A61L2/0029—Radiation
    • A61L2/0047—Ultraviolet radiation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
    • A61L2/08—Radiation
    • A61L2/10—Ultraviolet radiation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M25/00—Catheters; Hollow probes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
    • A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
    • A61N5/0613—Apparatus adapted for a specific treatment
    • A61N5/0624—Apparatus adapted for a specific treatment for eliminating microbes, germs, bacteria on or in the body
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
    • A61B90/50—Supports for surgical instruments, e.g. articulated arms
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M25/00—Catheters; Hollow probes
    • A61M2025/0019—Cleaning catheters or the like, e.g. for reuse of the device, for avoiding replacement
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M39/00—Tubes, tube connectors, tube couplings, valves, access sites or the like, specially adapted for medical use
    • A61M39/10—Tube connectors; Tube couplings
    • A61M39/16—Tube connectors; Tube couplings having provision for disinfection or sterilisation
    • A61M2039/167—Tube connectors; Tube couplings having provision for disinfection or sterilisation with energizing means, e.g. light, vibration, electricity
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
    • A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
    • A61N2005/0635—Radiation therapy using light characterised by the body area to be irradiated
    • A61N2005/0643—Applicators, probes irradiating specific body areas in close proximity
    • A61N2005/0645—Applicators worn by the patient
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
    • A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
    • A61N2005/0658—Radiation therapy using light characterised by the wavelength of light used
    • A61N2005/0661—Radiation therapy using light characterised by the wavelength of light used ultraviolet

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to the field of sterilization or disinfection systems and methods.
  • Infection is a primary concern in health care settings. Bacteria and other potentially harmful microbes can generate infections when they enter the body through wounds, catheter entrance sites, and other openings in the body, thereby bypassing the body's natural defenses. Infections, often absent at the time of admission to a hospital, are a serious source of morbidity, mortality, and excess cost in health care settings.
  • Catheters a frequent conduit into the body for microorganisms, are typically sterilized before insertion into the body. Further, regions of skin that are or will be breached are typically treated with antiseptic or germicidal chemicals. As evidenced by the continued high rate of infection of catheter entrance sites and/or wounds, it is clear that the present techniques for sterilizing these regions are inadequate.
  • One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method comprising an act of applying ultraviolet light to a region of tissue on a patient to sterilize or disinfect the region.
  • Another embodiment of the invention is directed to an apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a region of tissue of a patient.
  • the apparatus comprises a housing and an ultraviolet light-emitting lamp disposed within the housing.
  • the housing includes a light seal to substantially prevent light from traveling beyond the housing and the region of tissue during sterilization or disinfection.
  • a further embodiment of the invention is directed to a device for use with a catheter and an ultraviolet light-emitting lamp.
  • the device comprises an ultraviolet light-emitting lamp and a reflective surface adapted to be coupled to a catheter to direct light emitted by the ultraviolet light-emitting lamp to a portion of the catheter near an entrance site of the catheter.
  • Another embodiment of the invention is directed to an apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a sterilization/disinfection device.
  • the apparatus comprises a self-sterilizing attachment to form a substantially light-tight seal with the sterilization/disinfection device, and a reflective surface coupled to the self-sterilizing attachment, wherein the reflective surface directs light emitted from the sterilization/disinfection device back onto the sterilization/disinfection device.
  • a further embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of sterilizing or disinfecting a sterilization/disinfection device including an ultraviolet light-emitting lamp using a self-sterilizing attachment.
  • the method comprising acts of forming a substantially light-tight seal between the sterilization/disinfection device and the self-sterilizing attachment, emitting light from the ultraviolet light-emitting lamp, and directing the light emitted from the ultraviolet light-emitting lamp back onto the sterilization/disinfection device.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a method for sterilizing or disinfecting a region of skin or tissue with a light source
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a method for sterilizing or disinfecting a catheter entrance site with a light source
  • FIGS. 3 and 4A- 4 E illustrate an instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit
  • FIGS. 5 A- 5 C illustrate a continuous process sterilization/disinfection unit
  • FIGS. 6 A- 6 B illustrate a light directing component for use with a sterilization/disinfection unit
  • FIGS. 7 A- 7 C illustrate the light directing component of FIGS. 6 A- 6 B used with the instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit of FIGS. 3 and 4A- 4 E;
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a first embodiment of a UV-transmissive bandage
  • FIGS. 9 A- 9 B illustrate another embodiment of a UV-transmissive bandage
  • FIGS. 10 A- 9 C illustrate a further embodiment of a UV-transmissive bandage
  • FIGS. 11 A- 11 B illustrate another embodiment of a UV-transmissive bandage
  • FIG. 12 illustrates the instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit of FIGS. 3 and 4A- 4 E used with a UV-transmissive bandage
  • FIG. 13 illustrates the continuous process sterilization/disinfection unit of FIGS. 5 A- 5 C used with a UV-transmissive bandage
  • FIGS. 14 A- 14 C illustrate the instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit of FIGS. 3 and 4A- 4 E used with the light directing component of FIGS. 6 A- 6 B and a UV transmissive bandage;
  • FIG. 15 illustrates a self-sterilizing attachment coupled to the instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit of FIGS. 3 and 4A- 4 E;
  • FIG. 16 illustrates a block diagram of exemplary circuitry for use in the instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit of FIGS. 3 and 4A- 4 E;
  • FIG. 17 illustrates a schematic diagram of exemplary circuitry for use in the instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit of FIGS. 3 and 4A- 4 E.
  • ultraviolet light is potentially harmful to the skin. Consequently, many individuals take precautions against exposure. Because of its perceived dangerous nature, ultraviolet light has not been contemplated for the sterilization or disinfection of skin, including wounded skin and healthy skin, or catheter entrance sites.
  • one aspect of the present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a region of tissue and/or a catheter entrance site of a patient using ultraviolet (UV) light.
  • a region of tissue to be sterilized or disinfected may include unbreached skin, such as a region where a surgical incision is to be made, or breached skin, such as a wound site or a catheter entrance site.
  • a portion of the catheter in the vicinity of the entrance site may also be sterilized.
  • Another aspect of the invention is directed to a method and apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a region of tissue and/or a catheter entrance site of a patient using UV light transmitted through a bandage.
  • sterilization or disinfection may occur by killing microorganisms, inactivating microorganisms (i.e., rendering the microorganisms unable to reproduce), or any combination thereof.
  • a region of tissue or a catheter entrance site to be sterilized or disinfected may be that of either a person or an animal.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a method for sterilizing or disinfecting a region of skin or tissue of a patient using sterilizing or disinfecting light, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
  • Sterilizing or disinfecting light is emitted by a light source 7 and exposed to wound 1 and/or surrounding tissue 5 .
  • Tissue 5 includes skin 3 and tissue below the surface of skin 3 . While skin 3 is highly attenuating to sterilizing or disinfecting light, some light may permeate to the tissue below skin 3 , for example exposing pores of skin 3 .
  • a reflector 9 is disposed near light source 7 to aid in directing light emitted by light source 7 towards wound 1 and surrounding skin 3 . While reflector 9 is shown as disposed above light source 7 , it may be located on either side of the light source 7 or may be eliminated entirely. Further, additional reflectors may be included around light source 7 in accordance with the invention.
  • Light source 7 may be any light source that emits light capable of sterilization or disinfection.
  • light source 7 may be an ultraviolet (UV) light source such as a mercury vapor lamp, a xenon flash lamp, a continuous arc lamp, UV light emitting diodes (LEDs), a UV laser, or any other solid state or non-solid state UV light-emitting device.
  • the lamp may emit narrow spectrum light (e.g., a line spectrum) or broad spectrum light.
  • Broad spectrum light may include, e.g., UVA, UVB, and UVC light, or UV light accompanied by light from another portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.
  • the emission of both Uv and visible light from light source 7 may enhance the effectiveness of the light source, as the sensitivity of different microorganisms to light varies with the wavelength of the light. It should be appreciated that though a single light source 7 is described and illustrated, one or more light sources may be used.
  • Light may be generated by light source 7 in one or more flashes. If multiple flashes are generated, the flashes may be applied at specified intervals that may occur, for example, one or more times per day.
  • a flash lamp or other non-continuous lamp may be used to generate light in one or more flashes.
  • the lamp may be a high intensity source of sterilizing or disinfecting light where the sterilization dosage may be applied in less than a few minutes or seconds.
  • the energy of a single flash may be sufficient to deliver a sterilizing or disinfecting dosage, e.g., greater than 10 mJ/cm 2 of UVC, to all surfaces to be sterilized or disinfected.
  • Light may also be generated by light source 7 as continuous radiation over a period of time.
  • a lower intensity source capable of emitting sterilizing or disinfecting light continuously over a period of time may be used.
  • the intensity of the light emitted by light source 7 may be adjusted for use on skin of varying sensitivity to ultraviolet light.
  • the light emitted by light source 7 may be controlled at a lower intensity if the sterilization of disinfection method is performed on an infant, for whom a lower intensity may be more appropriate.
  • Wound 1 may be a lesion, cut, abrasion, or sore sustained by the patient.
  • wound 1 may be an incision or puncture created by a healthcare professional.
  • the method described above may also be applied to unbreached skin, in accordance with the invention.
  • the method for sterilizing skin 3 and/or tissue 5 of a patient using sterilizing or disinfecting light may be used to sterilize or disinfect the skin at a penetration site prior to a medical procedure that breaches the skin.
  • the method described in connection with FIG. 1 may be employed by medical professionals prior to or after medical procedures that breach the skin.
  • the method may also be employed by consumers or medical professionals to treat the skin after accidental breach of the skin.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a method for sterilizing an installed catheter and/or surrounding skin of a patient using sterilizing or disinfecting light.
  • Sterilizing or disinfecting light is emitted by a light source 7 , which directs light towards an entrance site 11 of a catheter 15 and/or the catheter itself in the vicinity of entrance site 11 .
  • Entrance site 11 includes the opening in skin 3 through which the catheter passes. Entrance site 11 may also include skin 3 and tissue 5 surrounding the opening.
  • Reflector 9 may have any of the configurations described in connection with FIG. 1.
  • light source 7 may have any of the configurations described in connection with FIG. 1, and may be operated in any of the described modes.
  • catheter 15 includes a hub 13 and a connector 14 .
  • Hub 13 which is external to the patient, may be any junction where two or more lumens, each having separate tubing, merge into a single multi-lumen tube.
  • Connector 14 may be a mechanism for attaching and detaching catheter 15 from external catheter equipment (e.g., a bag containing intravenous fluid).
  • external catheter equipment e.g., a bag containing intravenous fluid.
  • a catheter may include any conduit through which fluids or mechanical devices pass into or out of the body.
  • a standard injection needle, a blood sample needle, a cannula, a trocar sheath, an introducer, or a shunt may be considered a catheter.
  • a device that breaches the skin may also be considered a catheter.
  • a heart catheter, an endoscope, or a laparoscope may be considered a catheter.
  • the catheter need not pass through an opening in the skin; instead the catheter may pass through a natural opening, as is the case with Foley catheters or other urinary catheters. In the above cases, the catheter passes through the body's natural barrier to microorganisms, and thus renders it susceptible to infection.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4A- 4 E illustrate an instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a adapted to generate one or more light flashes, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
  • a housing 17 encloses a flash light source 7 a and reflector 9 .
  • Reflector 9 disposed about flash light source 7 a, causes light emitted by flash light source 7 a to be reflected at range of angles, thereby minimizing shadowing of the skin under catheter 15 .
  • Flash light source 7 a and reflector 9 are optionally protected by a UV transmissive window or screen (not shown) in an opening 26 at the bottom of the unit.
  • the window may be made from quartz, fused silica, a UV transmissive glass or a screen, or a perforated sheet of metal or other material.
  • an optical filter may be incorporated into the window or the light source envelope to absorb or block undesired wavelengths.
  • a dichroic mirror which passes, rather than reflects the undesired wavelengths, may be used.
  • a window or mirror may also include a textured surface or other diffusing mechanism to alter the exit angle of light and thereby reduce shadowing.
  • a light seal 19 is disposed around opening 26 in instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a.
  • light seal 19 When light seal 19 is pressed against a patient or an object, it creates a substantially light-tight chamber to contain the light emitted by flash light source 7 a and prevent injury or discomfort to the user or others nearby.
  • the light emitted by flash light source 7 a is substantially confined to housing 17 and the region on the patient surrounded by light seal 19 .
  • This region may include a region of skin 3 or tissue 5 and a region of catheter 15 near entrance site 11 .
  • Light seal 19 may be formed from a complaint material.
  • light seal 19 may be formed from a convoluted and/or foamed opaque elastomeric material such as neoprene, natural rubber, silicone rubber, or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
  • TPE thermoplastic elastomer
  • the use of a compliant material allows a substantially light-tight chamber to be formed when light seal 19 of instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a is placed over an irregularly shaped surface.
  • light seal 19 may conform to a body, a bandage, tape, or a catheter and its components. In FIG. 3, a portion of light seal 19 conforms to the shape of hub 13 of catheter 15 .
  • the compliance of light seal 19 also allows instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a to be placed over catheter 15 for sterilization/disinfection without disconnecting catheter 15 at connector 14 from external catheter equipment.
  • the external catheter equipment may be disconnected at connector 14 to allow hub 13 and connector 14 of catheter 15 to fit under instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a, within the confines of light seal 19 , during sterilization or disinfection.
  • Instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a may be used to sterilize or disinfect entrance site 11 prior to insertion of catheter 15 to prevent the transport of microorganisms from skin 3 to tissue 5 during insertion of the catheter, or may be used while catheter 15 is in place.
  • Instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a may also be used prior to penetration of skin 3 at the location of entrance site 11 .
  • Instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a may be used in addition to, or instead of, chemical treatment of skin 3 with a chemical sterilizer or disinfectant, e.g., prior to incision of skin 3 at entrance site 11 .
  • Sterilization or disinfectant chemicals may include germicidal or antiseptic chemicals such as alcohol, iodine, or betadine.
  • Instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a may contain safety interlock actuators 21 coupled to light seal 19 to prevent accidental activation of flash light source 7 a when the unit is not properly positioned.
  • Safety interlock actuators 21 detect the compression of light seal 19 at one or more locations (e.g., six as shown in FIG. 4C) to verify that light seal 19 is placed against a surface before flash light source 7 a is allowed to trigger.
  • An alternate or additional safety interlock may be included to prevent flash light source 7 a from triggering unless the interior of housing 17 contains substantially no light, indicating that the light seal between the interior and exterior of housing 17 is substantially complete.
  • a photodetector (not shown) in housing 17 may be used to detect the presence of light in housing 17 .
  • instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a is adapted to generate light flashes.
  • light source 7 may be a xenon flash lamp, and may be made with an envelope of quartz, fused silica, or UV transparent glass to maximize the output of UV light in the flash.
  • Flash light source 7 a may be driven with a high current density, e.g., 3,000 to 6,000 amps/cm 2 , and a short flash duration, e.g., less than 200 microseconds for a small flash unit, for maximum UVC light production.
  • flash light source 7 a The energy required by flash light source 7 a to generate a flash sufficient for sterilization or disinfection is determined by the amount of area to be illuminated, the minimum sterilizing light dosage desired, the uniformity of the illumination, and the spectrum of flash light source 7 a.
  • a flash light source made from UV glass used to illuminate 25 square centimeters (about 4 square inches) produces a UVC energy intensity of about 20 mJ/cm 2 and a total flash input energy of about 20 joules.
  • Flash light source 7 a may also generate UVA, UVB, infrared, and visible light.
  • Instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a includes a circuit board 29 enclosed within housing 17 .
  • Circuit board 29 may include a capacitor 31 for storing a charge used by flash light source 7 a to generate a flash, and circuitry to charge the capacitor and control the charging and flashing.
  • Circuit board 29 is also coupled to a power source and safety interlock circuitry to prevent accidental triggering at inappropriate times.
  • the circuitry required to charge the capacitor and trigger the flash may be the same as that used in typical photographic flash units, which is well known in the industry.
  • One example of circuitry that may be included on circuit board 29 will be discussed in connection with FIGS. 16 and 17.
  • Housing 17 includes a power switch 23 to initiate the charging of capacitor 31 .
  • Power switch 23 may be a simple on-off power switch or pushbutton to control the power to circuit board 29 to charge capacitor 31 .
  • Power switch 23 is coupled to a power source, which is shown as batteries 33 in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4 E. Batteries advantageously allow instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a to be portable and hand-held. Further, the power requirement for a typical sterilization/disinfection unit is such that several hundred of more sterilization/disinfection operations may be performed using a single set of batteries. However, external power from an AC power source may also be used.
  • Housing 17 also includes a trigger switch 27 to control activation of flash light source 7 a when safety interlock actuators, when present, are activated.
  • Power switch 23 and/or trigger switch 27 may be manipulated manually (e.g., by pressing a button), or may be coupled to one or more actuators 21 in light seal 19 to trigger upon depression of light seal 19 .
  • the inclusion of power switch 23 and trigger switch 27 enhances the safety of instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a and reduces its power consumption. However, either of power switch 23 or trigger switch 27 may be eliminated, as they are not necessary to the operation of the unit.
  • a UV dosage control mechanism may also be included to vary the intensity of the UV light generated by flash light source 7 a.
  • the UV light intensity may be varied to compensate for the application of UV light through a bandage, which will be discussed in connection with FIG. 12, or to account for the sensitivity of the patient's skin.
  • the UV dosage control may be continuously variable or variable in discrete steps determined by a switch.
  • the sterilizing light output is controlled by altering the energy stored in capacitor 31 by changing the voltage to which capacitor 31 is charged, or by switching one or more capacitors into the circuit to change the total capacitance value.
  • a ready indicator 25 such as a light emitting diode (LED) may be included on the external surface of housing 17 to alert an operator when the charging of capacitor 31 is complete, and hence when a flash may be generated by flash light source 7 a.
  • a second indicator (not shown), or a color change or flashing of a light of indicator 25 , may be included to alert an operator that safety interlock actuators 21 have been activated, and hence that instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a unit may be operated.
  • a third indicator (not shown), or a change in color or flashing of other indicators, may be used to indicate that a successful flash has occurred.
  • Instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a is just one exemplary apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a catheter, a catheter entrance site, a wound, and/or a region of skin using one or more light flashes.
  • Those skilled in the art will readily see many possible variations on the physical configuration, electronic circuitry, and controls of instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a described above, which are intended to fall within the scope of the invention.
  • FIGS. 5 A- 5 C illustrate a continuous process sterilization/disinfection unit 16 b adapted to generate continuous radiation for a period of time, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
  • Continuous process sterilization/disinfection unit 16 b operates on the same principles as instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a, except that light is generated by a continuous light source 7 b at a lower intensity and over a longer period of time.
  • continuous process sterilization/disinfection unit 16 b operates by positioning the unit over catheter 15 near entrance site 11 , such that it illuminates entrance site 11 and surrounding skin 3 and/or tissue 5 , as well as a portion of catheter 15 near entrance site 11 .
  • Continuous process sterilization/disinfection unit 16 b is maintained in this position for a time sufficient to provide a sterilizing or disinfecting dosage of UV light.
  • the sterilization may be completely continuous, or it may be intermittent and repeated at regular intervals as desired.
  • continuous process sterilization/disinfection unit 16 b may include a mechanism for attaching the unit to a site to be sterilized/disinfected or a location near to the site, although the unit may be hand-held.
  • adhesive tape or straps with fasteners such as hook-and-loop fasteners (i.e., Velcro) may be used.
  • the straps with fasteners may be looped around a portion of the body or fastened to bandages, etc. that are already attached to the body.
  • Housing 17 may include receptacles or fastening points for the straps.
  • adhesive tape, straps, or another attachment mechanism may be used to attach continuous process sterilization/disinfection unit 16 b to catheter 15 . Since the light seal for continuous process sterilization/disinfection unit 16 b is not critical, a primary advantage of attaching the unit is to hold the unit in the proper position for sterilization or disinfection.
  • tape or bandages are used over entrance site 11 , they may be removed before sterilization or disinfection. If UV-transmissive tape and bandages are used, they may be left in place with the sterilization/disinfection unit placed over them, as will be discussed in connection with FIG. 13.
  • Continuous process sterilization/disinfection unit 16 b is designed to allow for its use over catheter 15 without disconnecting the catheter from the external circuit. Alternatively, the external catheter circuit may be disconnected to allow hub 13 and connector 14 of catheter 15 to fit beneath continuous process sterilization/disinfection unit 16 b.
  • a housing 17 of continuous process sterilization/disinfection unit 16 b encloses continuous light source 7 b and reflector 9 , and is coupled to a power cord 35 .
  • Reflector 9 reflects light from continuous light source 7 b to the surfaces and objects to be sterilized or disinfected. Reflector 9 also serves to redirect the light so that it strikes the surfaces and objects from a multitude of angles, thereby minimizing shadows and providing more uniform illumination.
  • continuous process sterilization/disinfection unit 16 b includes a base 36 rather than a compliant light seal because the lower intensity of the light generated by instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a does not present as much of a safety concern, although precautions may still be appropriate to minimize exposure of the eyes to the UV light.
  • continuous light source 7 b may be a standard germicidal mercury vapor lamp. These lamps produce most of their energy at a wavelength of approximately 253.7 nanometers, in the middle of the UVC sterilizing band. With a mercury vapor lamp, continuous process sterilization/disinfection unit 16 b may require several minutes or more for sterilization or disinfection. Mercury vapor lamps produce a small amount of energy at UV wavelengths outside of the UVC band, as well as energy in the visible spectrum. The intensity of UVA and UVB light produced by these lamps is low and typically does not present a hazard for others nearby at the dosage level required for periodic sterilizations or low-level, long-term, continuous sterilization.
  • continuous light source 7 b may be illuminated for long periods of time (e.g., hours or days) without damage to skin 3 .
  • Commonly available mercury vapor lamps typically produce an intensity incompatible with continuous operation, unless the light level is attenuated with an optical filter or the electrical drive to continuous light source 7 b is controlled to reduce the intensity of the emitted light.
  • a reduction in the intensity of the light output may be accomplished by turning continuous light source 7 b alternately on and off. The alternation may be performed at a low frequency (e.g., with a period of a few seconds or minutes), or at a high frequency (e.g., with a period of less than a second).
  • the alternation may also be performed at a low (less than 50%) or high (greater than 50%) duty cycle.
  • the switching of power to continuous light source 7 b may be performed with an electronic circuit, a mechanical timer, or electromechanically, all of which are well known to those skilled in the art.
  • sterilization or disinfection operations may be performed once a day or a few times a day, and continuous light source 7 b may be turned on for long enough to perform a complete sterilization or disinfection operation for each instance.
  • the timing for each operation may be preformed by a standard timer or with a light sensor that measures light exposure and turns continuous light source 7 b off when a desired dosage is reached.
  • Continuous process sterilization/disinfection unit 16 b may also be turned on and off manually by an operator.
  • a UV dosage control may be included in continuous process sterilization/disinfection unit 16 b, to compensate for the application of UV light through a bandage, which will be discussed in connection with FIG. 13, or to account for the sensitivity of the patient's skin.
  • the UV dosage control may be continuously variable or variable in discrete steps determined by a switch.
  • the sterilizing light output is controlled by altering the intensity of light emitted by continuous light source 7 b, the duty cycle of continuous light source 7 b, or the total on-time for each sterilization or disinfection.
  • a UV transparent window (not shown), made of a material such as quartz, fused silica, or UV transparent glass, may be included at opening 26 to protect continuous light source 7 b while allowing light to reach the target surfaces.
  • the window could include an optical filter to alter the spectrum of the emitted light. This may result in a spectrum having greater efficacy and/or less damaging light.
  • the window could also include a textured surface or other diffusing mechanism to alter the exit angle of the emitted light and thereby reduce shadowing of the targets.
  • the drive circuitry for continuous light source 7 b of continuous process sterilization/disinfection unit 16 b is included in housing 17 .
  • the circuitry is not shown here, as it is typically the same as that used for standard visible fluorescent lamps and is well known to those skilled in the art.
  • Continuous process sterilization/disinfection unit 16 b is just one exemplary apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a catheter, a catheter entrance site, a wound, or a region of skin using a continuous application of radiation.
  • continuous light source 7 may be replaced by a pulse light source that requires a number of pulses over a period of time to provide the required dosage.
  • Continuous light source 7 may be replaced by a broad-spectrum light source to provide other wavelengths of light along with UV light.
  • Optical filters or dichroic mirrors may be incorporated into continuous process sterilization/disinfection unit 16 b to alter the spectrum of the outputted light by reducing the intensity of damaging wavelengths of light.
  • catheter 15 near entrance site 11 For complete sterilization of catheter 15 near entrance site 11 , it is desirable for all points on catheter 15 near entrance site 11 to be exposed to the appropriate dosage of sterilizing light. Further, to prevent microorganisms from entering the body at entrance site 11 , it is desirable that entrance site 11 and surrounding skin 3 be sterilized or disinfected.
  • the shape of some of the catheter components makes it difficult for light to reach all points on the surface of catheter 15 and skin 3 near entrance site 11 , where the catheter is placed against the skin.
  • the catheter may create a partially shadowed area that receives less light than other areas. The effects of shadowing may be mitigated if the total dosage of sterilizing light is high enough.
  • the components of the catheter are shaped to reduce shadowing and/or include light reflecting or refracting components to direct light to areas that might otherwise be partially or filly shadowed.
  • catheter 15 is shown illuminated with light source 7 .
  • an area 38 of skin 3 under the portion of catheter 15 is ordinarily not exposed to light from light source 7 due to shadowing by catheter 15 .
  • Reflector 9 causes light emitted by light source 7 to approach the target surfaces and objects from a multitude of different angles. Thus, some light will reach partially shadowed area 38 , but the total intensity of the light striking area 38 will be less than that of the surrounding areas. Additional reflectors or diffusers may be used to further increase the intensity of the light striking area 38 .
  • FIG. 6B illustrates an example of how catheter components may be shaped to direct light to partially shadowed area 38 for more uniform light distribution.
  • a reflective surface 37 is included on a light directing component 41 to reflect light from light source 7 to partially shadowed area 38 .
  • Light directing component 41 may be the hub of catheter 15 , as shown in FIG. 6B, or may be an additional component, as will be described in connection with FIG. 7A. Thus, light directing component 41 may be an existing portion of catheter 15 or a component added to catheter 15 .
  • Reflective surface 37 may be a sloped and/or mirrored, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Although a curved mirror is shown, one or more planar mirrors or refractive optics such as a cylindrical lens made of a UV transparent material, may be used to direct the light from light source 7 to area 38 under catheter 15 .
  • Tabs 39 may be provided on either side of light directing component 41 to provide a mechanism for attaching light directing component 41 to the patient.
  • tabs may be affixed to tissue 5 using sutures or an adhesive.
  • the upper surface of light directing component 41 may be shaped in a smooth arch to provide a better light seal with instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a, as shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7 C.
  • FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7 C illustrate light directing component 41 used with instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a.
  • instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a illustrated, other sterilization/disinfection devices such as continuous process sterilization/disinfection unit 16 b may alternatively be used in this embodiment.
  • hub 13 is not positioned close enough to entrance site 11 for reflective surface 37 to perform the desired function of directing light to area 38 if reflective surface 37 is attached to hub 13 .
  • light directing component 41 is separate from hub 13 .
  • Light-directing component 14 may attach to tube 12 of catheter 15 and may be movable along tube 12 so that it may be positioned near entrance site 11 after catheter 15 is installed. Further, light directing component 41 may have adhesive to hold light directing component 41 in place once it is positioned on skin 3 . Preferably, light directing component 41 holds tube 12 of catheter 15 slightly above the surface of skin 3 to allow sterilizing light to reach the skin under tube 12 .
  • FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7 C show catheter 15 passing through a hole 40 in light directing component 41 , but alternatively the component could have a groove to accommodate tube 12 of catheter 15 .
  • Light directing component 41 may be molded from plastic, an elastomer, or a photochromic plastic or elastomer. Alternatively, light directing component 41 may include a color-changing additive that changes color upon exposure to UV light. A color-changing effect may provide verification to an operator that the target site has been exposed to UV light.
  • Light directing component 41 may not include reflective surface 37 . In this case, the light directing component 41 may still hold tube 12 of catheter 15 away from skin 3 to allow sterilizing light to reach area 38 . If the dispersion of the light from instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a is high enough, partially shadowed area 38 may receive enough sterilizing light from the unit without the use of a specific reflective surface. As above, light directing component 41 without reflective surface 37 may include photochromic indicators to indicate an exposure to UV light.
  • Sterilization/disinfection units 16 a and 16 b are designed to have a beneficial effect when used with the standard catheters and installation techniques currently in common use.
  • alterations to the physical configuration of the catheter and the positioning of external catheter components may improve the ease of use and efficacy of sterilization/disinfection units 16 .
  • These alterations include adding to or changing the shape of the external catheter components to minimize shadowing and/or to enhance the light seal of the sterilization/disinfection unit, or adding color-changing materials to indicate UV light exposure.
  • the sterilization/disinfection units previously described are also designed to have a beneficial effect when used on bare skin, and they may be used with traditional bandages if the bandage is temporarily removed for the exposure to the sterilizing light.
  • the method for sterilization or disinfection described herein may be implemented with a UV-transmissive bandage in place over the region to be sterilized/disinfected.
  • bandage is intended to include any dressing, medical tape, pad, gauze, film, ointment, or paint-on wound covering, or any combination of features thereof.
  • Bandages that transmit sterilizing or disinfecting light may be made by choosing appropriate materials and configurations.
  • materials that are typically considered opaque to UVC light may transmit a significant percentage of UVC light when fabricated as a thin film.
  • a thin film of polyethylene (a common material used for medical applications) having a thickness of 0.002 inches (0.05 mm) transmits up to 80% of sterilizing light from a xenon flash having a wavelength in the range of 220 to 310 nm. Even films up to 0.01 inches (0.25 mm) thick may transmit over 50% of the sterilizing light.
  • Adhesive tapes including a structural film and adhesive with a total thickness of 0.006 inches (0.15 mm) may have a transmission of sterilizing light of greater than 60%.
  • a typical eight-layer thick medical gauze pad transmits about 30% of the sterilizing light.
  • bandages for use with catheters often consist only of a layer of visually transparent tape with a layer of adhesive added. Many of the visually transparent films currently used are nearly opaque to light with a wavelength shorter than 310 nm and are unsuitable for UV light transmission.
  • bandages may be fabricated from a specific material in an appropriate thickness to enhance UV transmission. For example, bandages fabricated from hydrophilic polyurethane sheet material with a thickness of approximately 0.001 inch (0.025 mm) and with a film of acrylic based adhesive with a thickness of approximately 0.001 inch (0.025 mm), as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,595,001, may have a transmission of sterilizing light that is greater than 50%.
  • a bandage for use with a sterilization/disinfection unit may be manufactured to have a known and controlled transmissivity to UV light.
  • the light output of the sterilization/disinfection unit may be adjusted to deliver the correct dosage of sterilizing light to the skin and catheter components to be sterilized or disinfected.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a first configuration of a bandage 51 designed for use with a sterilization/disinfection unit, as described herein.
  • bandage 51 has an adhesive 53 coupled to the periphery of a film 55 of bandage 51 .
  • Adhesive 53 may attenuate UV light and therefore reduce the amount of light that reaches the skin.
  • adhesive 53 in bandage 51 of FIG. 8 is selectively applied such that the portion of film 55 that is placed above the entrance site of the catheter is free of adhesive 53 .
  • Adhesive 53 forms a seal around the periphery of bandage 51 , which will provide a barrier to microbes. Since UV light applied to the bandage may pass through region 57 of bandage 51 , which does not contain adhesive 53 , the UV transmission characteristics of adhesive 53 are not critical and do not need to be controlled in manufacture.
  • a radiant heat attenuating material may be added to film 55 of bandage 51 to attenuate any heat generated by the UV light source.
  • a color-changing material such as a photochromic or fluorescent ink or dye may be added to adhesive 53 or film 55 of bandage 51 .
  • the color-changing material may change color or emit light when exposed to UV light.
  • the color-changing material may change color or emit light when exposed to light from another portion of the spectrum.
  • a color change resulting from light from another portion of the spectrum may still provide an indication of UV light exposure if the proportion of UV light to the light from the other portion of the spectrum is known.
  • color-changing material may absorb some of the UV light applied, and therefore reduce UV transmission
  • color-changing material may be included only in a portion or portions of bandage 51 , as desired.
  • color-changing material may be applied to adhesive 53 or film 55 discontinuously, e.g., in a pattern.
  • the pattern may be an array of lines, dots, or other small shapes, to allow the UV light to sterilize or disinfect the areas between the color-changing material.
  • color-changing material may be applied along the edge of bandage 51 so as to not interfere with the application of UV light.
  • a small amount of color-changing material may be added to the entire bandage. While the addition of the color-changing material to the entire bandage may decrease the UV light transmission of bandage 51 by a small amount, the bandage will transmit a sufficient amount of UV light as long as the total transmission of the bandage is known and the light output is adjusted accordingly.
  • color-changing material may be added to adhesive 53 .
  • color-changing material may be included in adhesive 53 to make adhesive-free region 57 more obvious and, hence, easier to position.
  • Another additive, other than a color-changing material may alternatively be included to achieve easier positioning.
  • Color-changing material may also be included in adhesive 53 to indicate that a sterilization/disinfection operation has successfully occurred.
  • color-changing material may be added to film 55 .
  • color-changing material may also be included in or printed onto film 55 of bandage 51 to indicate a region or level of exposure of bandage 51 to UV light.
  • color-changing material may be included in or printed onto film 55 of bandage 51 in a meaningful pattern to convey information. As shown in FIG. 8, color-changing material may be printed to form a logo 58 , or other word or icon, or a barcode 60 . Color-changing material may also be printed to provide additional information or instructions to a user or indicate a manufacturer of the product.
  • a color-changing material having a long time constant may also be added to film 55 of bandage 51 .
  • the relaxation time constant for the color-changing material may be chosen to match the desired time between doses of UV light from a sterilization/disinfection unit. For example, when exposed to a UV light dose, the color-changing material may change to match a background color, making the color-changing material nearly invisible. As the color-changing material changes back to its original color, the material becomes more visible. When a user is able to detect the color-changing material, or a pattern formed by the material, the user may determine that reapplication of UV light is appropriate.
  • an optical detection device e.g., a photodetector
  • a sterilization/disinfection unit may be included in a sterilization/disinfection unit to detect a pattern or hue of the color-changing material, where a hue detected may include a color, brightness, saturation, or presence or absence of coloration of the color-changing material.
  • a pattern of color-changing material may form barcode 60 , detectable by an optical detection device.
  • the sterilization/disinfection unit may be designed to operate only when the barcode, or other pattern or hue, is readable.
  • Sterilization/disinfection unit may include a sensor to detect if it is being used on bare skin or a bandage.
  • One way of sensing the material is to measure the electrical conductivity of its surface by making electrical connection with two or more contact points of the surface and measuring the resistance between the points.
  • Human skin will typically have a resistance of less than a few megaohms, whereas the materials used for a bandage will typically be hundreds of times higher.
  • the conductivity may also be measured using capacitive coupling and an alternating current sense signal to measure the coupling between the contact points. If a sterilization/disinfection unit detects that it is applied to bare skin, the output level of its light source may be adjusted to a level appropriate for bare skin.
  • the bandage detection feature may be used alone, or in combination with a feature that automatically detects and adjusts the output of the light source for different bandage types. For example, if the unit detects the presence of a bandage, a photosensor or other sensor may be activated to detect a code that appears on the bandage.
  • the code may be, for example, a barcode printed on the edge of the bandage.
  • the barcode may indicate the UV light transmission characteristics of the bandage so that the sterilization/disinfection unit may adjust its output accordingly.
  • a sterilization/disinfection unit with this feature would need to be positioned properly to be operated, which would encourage proper use.
  • the sterilization/disinfection unit may include operator indicators to inform the operator when the unit is properly positioned and the code may be read.
  • Indicators may also be provided to inform the operator as to what intensity is being selected, or if more than one application is required for proper sterilization or disinfection through the bandage. This feature may be combined with the long time constant color-changing material used for the barcode to prevent the application of UV light more frequently than is required.
  • Bandages that include pads may also be constructed in a manner that allows sufficient sterilizing light transmission for use with a sterilization/disinfection unit.
  • the pad provides greater flexibility, which results in more comfortable bandages and improved adhesion to the body.
  • the pad may be made from a foamed polyethylene or similar material with significant transmission of UV light. For best transmission of UV light, the material would not have colorants added, but would be a clear or milky color. However, colorants that do not significantly degrade the transmission of UV light, versus visible light, may be used.
  • FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate another configuration of a bandage designed for use with a sterilization/disinfection unit, as described herein.
  • bandage 51 has a pad 59 coupled to film 55 of the bandage, and a pad liner 61 coupled to pad 59 .
  • Pad 59 and pad liner 61 are sufficiently transmissive to UV light.
  • the adhesive on film 55 also preferably is sufficiently transmissive to UV light in the thickness used. A variety of adhesives meet this condition, including some currently used for medical bandages and dressings.
  • the adhesive on pad liner 61 holds pad 59 in position and adheres film 55 to the user's skin.
  • pad 59 should be made from an appropriate UV transmissive material and be made in an appropriate thickness.
  • the pads of typical prefabricated bandages are in the range of 0.02 inch (0.5 mm) to 0.06 inch (1.5 mm) thick and are fabricated of medical gauze or a non-woven (felt-like) fabric.
  • Some bandages include a perforated polymeric sheet liner on the pad, as shown in FIG. 9B.
  • a UV transmissive bandage may be made with traditional materials if no colorants are used in the film (as is typical).
  • the pad may be made from 8 layers of medical gauze (approximately 0.04 inch (1 mm) thick), and the pad liner may be made from a 0.002 inch (0.05 mm) thick polyethylene sheet.
  • the film with adhesive may have a sterilizing light transmission of 75%
  • the pad may have a sterilizing light transmission of 30%
  • the liner may have a sterilizing light transmission of about 80%. This would result in a total sterilizing light transmission of about 18%.
  • One exemplary alternative for the bandage described above is to substitute a foamed polyethylene pad for a gauze pad.
  • a foamed polyethylene pad with a thickness of 0.04 inch (1 mm) may have a sterilizing light transmission of 70%.
  • the foamed pad presents a polymeric surface to the wound, so a pad liner is not required.
  • a bandage made in this configuration has a total sterilizing light transmission of about 50%, requiring only twice the sterilizing light intensity required by bare skin.
  • This configuration has the advantage of requiring less energy from the sterilization/disinfection unit, though there may be medical reasons why a configuration with a fabric pad is preferable. Both configurations may be used with an appropriately designed sterilization/disinfection unit.
  • FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10 C illustrate a further configuration of a bandage designed for use with a sterilization/disinfection unit, as described herein.
  • film 55 is used in place of pad liner 61 of the configuration of FIG. 9B.
  • Film 55 may be perforated at the position of pad 59 if it is desired for fluids to flow into the pad.
  • Pad 59 is attached to film 55 with a movable fastening 63 .
  • the fastening may be an adhesive fastener or hook and loop fasteners, commonly know as “Velcro.”
  • Pad 59 may be completely removed or folded to one side. Thus, UV light from a sterilization/disinfection unit may reach the skin of the user without traversing pad 59 .
  • pad 59 Since the UV transmission characteristics of pad 59 are not critical in this configuration, the pad thickness and material may be determined based on medical considerations. Hence, thick gauze pads are possible. Further, in this configuration, the underside of pad 59 may be sterilized or disinfected when the pad is totally or partially disengaged from film 55 . Thus, pad 59 may be sterilized or disinfected during use to created a sterile surface.
  • the materials and/or colorants used in the bandages described herein may be chosen and positioned such that the attenuation of the sterilizing light through the bandage is similar for all portions of the bandage. This allows a sterilizing dose of UV light to be applied to the bandage without having some areas of the skin underneath the bandage overdosed, which could cause damage to the skin.
  • the section of film 55 of bandage 51 that does not cover pad 59 may be made to provide greater attenuation of the sterilizing light than film 55 covering pad 59 to compensate for the extra attenuation of pad 59 .
  • the light attenuation of the film may be controlled by printing film 55 with a colored ink or dye that absorbs, blocks or reflects the sterilizing light.
  • the adhesive will normally provide some attenuation to the sterilizing light and its thickness and/or composition may be controlled so the attenuation matches that of the pad. If the pad is as large or larger than the illuminated area of the wound sterilizer/disinfector, then the UV transmission characteristics of the adhesive tape beyond the extent of the pad may not be relevant.
  • the bandage may be desirable to fabricate the bandage to make the tanned spot less obvious by feathering the edges. This may be done by grading the UV transmissivity of the bandage to successively lower values towards the edges of the illuminated area. This would cause any suntan to have a gradual edge, rather that a shape edge that would be more noticeable and displeasing.
  • the plastic film in the tape or bandage could also include an additive that selectively absorbs or blocks the transmission of some wavelengths of light to alter the spectrum of light that reaches the skin to filter out harmful or undesired wavelengths. This filter could also reduce the suntan effect.
  • FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate another configuration of a bandage designed for use with a sterilization/disinfection unit, as described herein.
  • the bandage of this configuration is typically a larger bandage for use in professional applications.
  • Bandage 51 includes a substantially square film 55 with a substantially square pad 59 attached thereto. This configuration has the advantage that a secure airtight seal may be formed on the complete periphery of bandage 51 , which may create a complete barrier to external infection by microorganisms.
  • Bandages with this property may be manufactured in a variety of sizes and shapes for professional medical use, consumer use, and veterinary medical use. Catheters and regions of skin may be sterilized or disinfected with one of the described sterilization/disinfection units before and/or after the bandage is applied, and periodically with the bandage in place, either by medical professionals or by consumers.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates the instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a of FIGS. 3 - 4 used with a UV-transmissive bandage 51 .
  • bandage 51 is shown covering wound 1 .
  • bandage 51 may alternatively or additionally cover a catheter, a catheter entrance site, or healthy skin.
  • FIG. 13 illustrates the continuous process sterilization/disinfection unit 16 b of FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5 C used with bandage 51 .
  • bandage 51 is shown covering wound 1 , it may alternatively or additionally cover a catheter, a catheter entrance site, or healthy skin.
  • Bandage 51 of FIGS. 12 and 13 may include any of the features or materials described herein, and is not limited to any of the particular configurations described.
  • sterilization/disinfection units 16 a and 16 b may generate UV light at an intensity matched to the UV transmissivity of bandage 51 .
  • the light intensity generated by sterilization/disinfection units 16 a and 16 b may be variable by means of a knob, switch, or other mechanism on the units.
  • the UV transmissivity of bandage 51 may be measured by a user or may be indicated, e.g., on the bandage itself.
  • An indication on bandage 51 may be detectable by a sensor, e.g., a photosensor, within sterilization/disinfection units 16 a and 16 b.
  • Color-changing material coupled to the underside of bandage 51 may indicate an absorption of UV light and, hence, a transmissivity of bandage 51 .
  • bandage 51 may form a seal to prevent contamination of the bandaged site.
  • the bandage may be formed of a continuous film that is impervious to microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses.
  • Existing commercially available bandages may have UV-transmissive properties, although they are not intended to be used in sterilization or disinfection operations that use ultraviolet light. Thus, this incidental property of commercially available bandages makes them suitable for use with the described sterilization/disinfection units 16 a and 16 b.
  • bandages with controlled UV transmission characteristics may be made using conventional manufacturing processes with additional quality control of the materials and thickness used.
  • additives may be used on or in the film, pad, or adhesive of the bandage used with sterilization/disinfection units 16 a and 16 b to control UV transmission or block harmful or undesirable wavelengths of light.
  • FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14 C illustrate light directing component 41 and instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a of FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7 C used with bandage 51 .
  • instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a is illustrated, other sterilization/disinfection devices such as continuous process sterilization/disinfection unit 16 b may alternatively be used in this embodiment.
  • light directing component 41 may form an air seal with tube 12 of catheter 15 and bandage 51 to prevent contamination of entrance site 11 by external microbes carried by air.
  • Light directing component 41 may assist in forming this air seal by providing a smooth convex curved surface over catheter 15 , as shown in FIG. 14C, to which bandage 51 is easily adhered. Without light directing component 41 , it would be difficult for bandage 51 to form a complete seal between skin 3 and the underside of tube 12 of catheter 15 .
  • FIG. 14B illustrates a bandage 51 having a film 55 partially coated with an adhesive 53 .
  • a region 57 of film 55 above catheter entrance site 11 is not coated with adhesive 53 .
  • Region 57 without adhesive 53 is used to secure catheter 15 while providing an ability to sterilize or disinfect entrance site 11 and the surrounding region by transmitting UV light through bandage 51 .
  • region 57 without adhesive 53 is large enough to allow the UV light to sterilize or disinfect an area around entrance site 11 and allow the UV light to reach light directing component 41 to assure proper illumination under tube 12 of catheter 15 .
  • Adhesive 53 forms a seal with skin 3 and light directing component 41 to prevent entrance site 11 from being infected from external microbes.
  • adhesive 53 need not be applied to bandage 51 of FIG. 14B in the illustrated way, according to the invention.
  • region 57 which does not contain adhesive 53 , may be larger or smaller, or shaped differently. Further, region 57 may be eliminated altogether so that adhesive 53 is applied continuously, intermittently, in rows, in dots, or in any other type of pattern.
  • light directing component 41 is designed to have intimate contact with tube 12 of catheter 15 . This may be achieved in a variety of ways, such as molding the light directing component 41 from an elastomer so that it forms a tight fit over tube 12 , forming a groove in light directing component 41 that has a hinged or separate piece to fill at least part of the groove, using a rigid light directing component 41 with an inserted elastomeric seal, using the elastomeric properties of the catheter 15 to seal against a rigid light directing component 41 , or forming a seal with the addition of an adhesive material around tube 12 of catheter 15 .
  • Reflective surface 37 of light directing component 41 may be a separate attached component or it may be integral with light directing component 41 .
  • the light directing function of light directing component 41 maybe separated from the light and/or air sealing function of light directing component 41 and one or more separate components may be used. It should be appreciated that while a number of example configurations are described to perform the functions of light directing, light sealing and air sealing, those skilled in the art will readily see a variety of other configurations that may perform these function in various combinations.
  • hub 13 and/or light-directing component 41 Because the underside of hub 13 and/or light-directing component 41 is not exposed to light, it is not sterilized once in position. However, is not necessary to repeatedly sterilize this area as the skin under hub 13 and/or light directing component 41 is intact and provides an appropriate barrier to microorganisms. Skin 3 and tube 12 of catheter 15 in the vicinity of entrance site 11 need to be periodically sterilized/disinfected to prevent microorganisms from entering the body at entrance site 11 . If the area around entrance site 11 is periodically sterilized or disinfected, and non-sterile objects or air do not come in contact with this area, the body is protected from infection entering through the entrance site 11 .
  • the sterilization/disinfection units described herein may be used for multiple patients in a professional medical environment.
  • the sterilization/disinfection unit itself could become a vector to transmit microorganisms for one patient to another.
  • a bottom surface 48 of light seal 19 which is not normally exposed to UV light, may come in contact with a patient, a catheter, or a bandage.
  • FIG. 15 illustrates an example embodiment of a self-sterilizer attachment 42 for instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a.
  • Self-sterilizer attachment 42 includes a housing 43 , into which instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a may be placed.
  • a light seal 47 disposed on the inner rim of housing 43 , forms a seal with instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a when the unit is positioned within housing 43 .
  • Light seal 47 may be compliant, and substantially prevents light from escaping from housing 43 when instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a is in use.
  • Self-sterilizer attachment 42 includes pins 45 at the base of housing 43 .
  • Pins 45 may be UV-transmissive to allow the region on light seal 19 that contacts the pins to be sterilized or disinfected.
  • light seal 19 of instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a contacts and/or depresses pins 19 safety interlock actuators in light seal 19 of instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a are activated.
  • the activation may engage instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a in a “ready mode,” which allows an operator to trigger generation of light by light source 7 , e.g., by pressing a trigger switch on the unit.
  • activation of the actuators may automatically cause instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a to emit light.
  • Housing 43 includes one ore more reflective surfaces 49 .
  • Reflective surfaces 49 direct light to bottom surface 48 of light seal 19 , the underside of unit 16 a, and/or the exterior of housing 17 of unit 16 a.
  • Reflective surfaces 49 may be formed of aluminum, mirrors, or another UV-light reflective surface. When light is emitted by instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a, reflective surfaces 49 direct light back towards the unit to cause sterilization or disinfection of its surfaces. More than one flash or dose may be applied for an increased UV light dosage to ensure complete sterilization, as there are typically no objects present within housing 43 that would be damaged by a higher exposure.
  • self-sterilizer may be used with any of the sterilization/disinfection units described herein.
  • self-sterilizer attachment 42 is shown as an attachment to the sterilization/disinfection unit, alternatively it may be integrated therewith.
  • pins 45 are shown and described as activating the actuators, a number of alternative configurations may be used to perform the same function (e.g., a light detector, a mechanical lever, a magnetic field detector, or a pressure sensor).
  • electrical circuitry associated with a flash lamp of an instantaneous sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a may be implemented as shown by electrical circuit 65 in FIG. 16.
  • Electrical circuit 65 may be used in a sterilization/disinfection unit according to any of the embodiments described above.
  • Electrical circuit 65 uses a high voltage power supply 69 that contains a capacitor to store the energy necessary to power a flash lamp 67 .
  • a power source 71 which may be an AC line or a battery, typically supplies a voltage in the range of 200V to 1000V depending characteristics of the flash lamp used, although the voltage supplied may be smaller than 200V or greater than 1000V.
  • Small linear flash lamps typically operate with voltages of 200V to 500V; small short-arc flash lamps may require 1000V or more.
  • the voltage is selected based on the flash lamp specifications: the total energy desired per flash and the maximum flash current desired. A higher voltage will provide a higher flash current for the same energy, resulting in a greater percentage of the flash light output in the ultraviolet spectrum.
  • the energy per flash is determined by Equation 1:
  • E is the energy per flash in Joules
  • C is the value of the energy storage capacitor in Farads
  • V is the voltage in volts.
  • the selected voltage should be as high as possible so that the flash lamp produces the greatest amount of ultraviolet light.
  • the value of the capacitor is then chosen to provide the desired amount of energy per flash.
  • the energy required by the flash to perform the sterilization/disinfection is determined by the amount of area to be illuminated, the minimum sterilizing light dosage desired, the uniformity of the illumination, and the spectrum of flash lamp 67 .
  • a flash lamp made from UV glass used to illuminate 25 square centimeters (about 4 square inches) produces a UVC energy intensity of about 20 mJ/cm 2 with a total flash input energy of about 20 joules.
  • the sterilizer/disinfector circuitry also includes a flash lamp trigger 73 which is very similar to the trigger circuit in a camera flash.
  • the flash lamp trigger provides a very high voltage pulse, typically in the range of 4 kV to 15 kV depending on the specifications of the flash lamp, to initiate the flash.
  • a charge storage capacitor is kept charged to the appropriate voltage whenever the unit is powered on.
  • Safety interlock switch 75 may prevent triggering of flash lamp 67 when the a light seal formed by sterilization/disinfection unit 16 a is incomplete.
  • flash lamp trigger 73 may be initiated when a trigger switch and a safety interlock switch 75 have been activated.
  • either trigger switch e.g., a pushbutton
  • safety interlock switch 75 e.g., mechanical actuators
  • FIG. 17 shows one example of a typical battery powered xenon flash lamp driver circuit with trigger circuitry for activating flash lamp 67 . Circuits of this nature are commonly used in camera flash units. For simplicity, the diagram does not show the details of an AC power supply or user indicators.
  • a power transistor 77 and its related components form a low voltage oscillator, typically in the range of 15 to 20 kHz. Current from a high voltage transformer 79 passes through a high voltage diode 81 and charges an energy storage capacitor 83 to a voltage that will drive flash lamp 67 .
  • a resistor 85 charges a trigger capacitor 87 to the flash lamp voltage.
  • trigger capacitor 87 is discharged through a trigger transformer 89 which creates a very high voltage pulse to a trigger electrode 91 on flash lamp 67 This causes flash lamp 67 to flash using the stored energy in energy storage capacitor 83 .
  • circuitry is merely intended to illustrate one possible implementation, and many such circuits are possible and known in the art.
  • circuits for driving flash lamps that may be suitably applied to the sterilizers/disinfectors described herein.
  • the invention is not limited in this respect.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • Anesthesiology (AREA)
  • Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
  • Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
  • Radiation-Therapy Devices (AREA)
  • Media Introduction/Drainage Providing Device (AREA)
US10/173,135 2001-06-15 2002-06-17 Method and apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a region on a patient Abandoned US20030018373A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/173,135 US20030018373A1 (en) 2001-06-15 2002-06-17 Method and apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a region on a patient

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US29879001P 2001-06-15 2001-06-15
US30080301P 2001-06-25 2001-06-25
US31674401P 2001-08-31 2001-08-31
US33472201P 2001-10-31 2001-10-31
US10/173,135 US20030018373A1 (en) 2001-06-15 2002-06-17 Method and apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a region on a patient

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20030018373A1 true US20030018373A1 (en) 2003-01-23

Family

ID=27501748

Family Applications (4)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/173,129 Expired - Lifetime US6730113B2 (en) 2001-06-15 2002-06-17 Method and apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a region through a bandage
US10/173,135 Abandoned US20030018373A1 (en) 2001-06-15 2002-06-17 Method and apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a region on a patient
US10/173,137 Abandoned US20030017073A1 (en) 2001-06-15 2002-06-17 Method and apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting catheter components
US10/641,894 Abandoned US20040034398A1 (en) 2001-06-15 2003-08-15 Method and apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a region through a bandage

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/173,129 Expired - Lifetime US6730113B2 (en) 2001-06-15 2002-06-17 Method and apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a region through a bandage

Family Applications After (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/173,137 Abandoned US20030017073A1 (en) 2001-06-15 2002-06-17 Method and apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting catheter components
US10/641,894 Abandoned US20040034398A1 (en) 2001-06-15 2003-08-15 Method and apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a region through a bandage

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (4) US6730113B2 (es)
EP (2) EP2295112A1 (es)
JP (2) JP4790982B2 (es)
CN (1) CN1531449A (es)
AU (1) AU2002344752A1 (es)
CA (1) CA2447881C (es)
DE (1) DE60238677D1 (es)
WO (2) WO2002102418A2 (es)

Cited By (84)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040162549A1 (en) * 2002-11-12 2004-08-19 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for performing optical dermatology
US20040230258A1 (en) * 2003-02-19 2004-11-18 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for treating pseudofolliculitis barbae
US20060004347A1 (en) * 2000-12-28 2006-01-05 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Methods and products for producing lattices of EMR-treated islets in tissues, and uses therefor
US20060009750A1 (en) * 2001-03-02 2006-01-12 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Apparatus and method for treatment using a patterned mask
US20060074468A1 (en) * 2004-10-02 2006-04-06 Joseph Neev Device and method for treating skin disorders with thermal energy
US20060200115A1 (en) * 2005-03-04 2006-09-07 Searete Llc., A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware Hair treatment system
US20060200114A1 (en) * 2005-03-04 2006-09-07 Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of State Of Delaware Hair removal system with light source array
US20060200116A1 (en) * 2005-03-04 2006-09-07 Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware Method and system for temporary hair removal
US20060216193A1 (en) * 2005-03-22 2006-09-28 Johnson Kaj A Cleaning tools with UV flash unit
US20060276859A1 (en) * 2005-06-02 2006-12-07 Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware Photopatterning of skin
US20060276860A1 (en) * 2005-06-02 2006-12-07 Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware Skin treatment including patterned light
US20070038270A1 (en) * 2005-07-05 2007-02-15 Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware Multi step photopatterning of skin
US20070049910A1 (en) * 2005-08-08 2007-03-01 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Eye-safe photocosmetic device
US20070208395A1 (en) * 2005-10-05 2007-09-06 Leclerc Norbert H Phototherapy Device and Method of Providing Phototherapy to a Body Surface
US20070213792A1 (en) * 2002-10-07 2007-09-13 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Treatment Of Tissue Volume With Radiant Energy
US20080033516A1 (en) * 2002-10-07 2008-02-07 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Methods and apparatus for performing photobiostimulation
US20080033413A1 (en) * 2001-03-01 2008-02-07 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Flashlamp drive circuit
US20080077122A1 (en) * 2006-09-22 2008-03-27 Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware Sterilizing cutting method
US20080077123A1 (en) * 2006-09-22 2008-03-27 Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware Switchable sterilizing cutting system
US20080091187A1 (en) * 2005-03-04 2008-04-17 Searete Llc Hair treatment system
US20080103565A1 (en) * 2002-06-19 2008-05-01 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous conditions
US20080132886A1 (en) * 2004-04-09 2008-06-05 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Use of fractional emr technology on incisions and internal tissues
US20080139901A1 (en) * 1996-12-02 2008-06-12 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Cooling System For A Photocosmetic Device
US20080183162A1 (en) * 2000-12-28 2008-07-31 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Methods And Devices For Fractional Ablation Of Tissue
US20090012511A1 (en) * 2007-06-08 2009-01-08 Cynosure, Inc. Surgical waveguide
US20090204185A1 (en) * 2006-06-14 2009-08-13 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Photothereapy device
US20090292277A1 (en) * 2006-08-02 2009-11-26 Cynosure, Inc. Picosecond laser apparatus and methods for its operation and use
US20100004682A1 (en) * 2006-05-29 2010-01-07 Alain Cornil System for treating skin wounds, bandaging and biochemical activation equipment for employing this system
US7758621B2 (en) 1997-05-15 2010-07-20 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for therapeutic EMR treatment on the skin
US7763016B2 (en) 1997-05-15 2010-07-27 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Light energy delivery head
US20100204686A1 (en) * 2002-12-20 2010-08-12 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Light treatments for acne and other disorders of follicles
US7942915B2 (en) 2002-05-23 2011-05-17 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Phototreatment device for use with coolants
US8182473B2 (en) 1999-01-08 2012-05-22 Palomar Medical Technologies Cooling system for a photocosmetic device
EP2465543A1 (en) 2010-12-19 2012-06-20 Marino Pastore Apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting the hands of a person
US8268332B2 (en) 2004-04-01 2012-09-18 The General Hospital Corporation Method for dermatological treatment using chromophores
US8328794B2 (en) 1996-12-02 2012-12-11 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. System for electromagnetic radiation dermatology and head for use therewith
US8346347B2 (en) 2005-09-15 2013-01-01 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Skin optical characterization device
US20130013032A1 (en) * 2000-10-20 2013-01-10 Photomedex Treatment of skin disorders with uv light
US20140052216A1 (en) * 2012-08-15 2014-02-20 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Methods for promoting wound healing
WO2014159855A1 (en) * 2013-03-14 2014-10-02 Teleflex Medical Incorporated Uv-c catheter hub sterilization and data acquisition system
WO2014165854A1 (en) * 2013-04-06 2014-10-09 Belson Ori Device and method to control catheter-related infections
US20150073396A1 (en) * 2011-03-07 2015-03-12 The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York Apparatus, method, and system for selectively effecting and/or killing bacteria
US9011431B2 (en) 2009-01-12 2015-04-21 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Electrical ablation devices
US9055958B2 (en) 2005-06-29 2015-06-16 The Invention Science Fund I, Llc Hair modification using converging light
US9078662B2 (en) 2012-07-03 2015-07-14 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Endoscopic cap electrode and method for using the same
US9277957B2 (en) 2012-08-15 2016-03-08 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Electrosurgical devices and methods
US9375268B2 (en) 2007-02-15 2016-06-28 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Electroporation ablation apparatus, system, and method
US9427255B2 (en) 2012-05-14 2016-08-30 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Apparatus for introducing a steerable camera assembly into a patient
US9545290B2 (en) 2012-07-30 2017-01-17 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Needle probe guide
US9572623B2 (en) 2012-08-02 2017-02-21 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Reusable electrode and disposable sheath
US9780518B2 (en) 2012-04-18 2017-10-03 Cynosure, Inc. Picosecond laser apparatus and methods for treating target tissues with same
US9883910B2 (en) 2011-03-17 2018-02-06 Eticon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Hand held surgical device for manipulating an internal magnet assembly within a patient
US9919168B2 (en) 2009-07-23 2018-03-20 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Method for improvement of cellulite appearance
US10098691B2 (en) 2009-12-18 2018-10-16 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Surgical instrument comprising an electrode
US10098527B2 (en) 2013-02-27 2018-10-16 Ethidcon Endo-Surgery, Inc. System for performing a minimally invasive surgical procedure
US10105141B2 (en) 2008-07-14 2018-10-23 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Tissue apposition clip application methods
US10183083B2 (en) 2015-08-07 2019-01-22 Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Metal mesh, sterilization determination method, and cleaning determination method
US10245107B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-04-02 Cynosure, Inc. Picosecond optical radiation systems and methods of use
US10258406B2 (en) 2011-02-28 2019-04-16 Ethicon Llc Electrical ablation devices and methods
US10278761B2 (en) 2011-02-28 2019-05-07 Ethicon Llc Electrical ablation devices and methods
US10314603B2 (en) 2008-11-25 2019-06-11 Ethicon Llc Rotational coupling device for surgical instrument with flexible actuators
US10314649B2 (en) 2012-08-02 2019-06-11 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Flexible expandable electrode and method of intraluminal delivery of pulsed power
WO2019143699A1 (en) * 2018-01-16 2019-07-25 Purplesun Inc. Adaptive multivector illumination delivery system
US10434324B2 (en) 2005-04-22 2019-10-08 Cynosure, Llc Methods and systems for laser treatment using non-uniform output beam
WO2020023778A1 (en) * 2018-07-26 2020-01-30 Bak & Mermell Llc Uv light disinfection and cleaning of narrow tube lumens
CN110898242A (zh) * 2019-12-18 2020-03-24 周昌贵 一种利用巴氏消毒法快速灭菌酒精浸泡的装置
US10779882B2 (en) 2009-10-28 2020-09-22 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Electrical ablation devices
US10780189B2 (en) 2011-03-07 2020-09-22 The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York Apparatus, method and system for selectively affecting and/or killing a virus
EP3736019A1 (en) * 2019-05-08 2020-11-11 Led Future Oy Wound care device
US10864287B2 (en) * 2017-12-27 2020-12-15 Ushio Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Microbe inactivation processing method and cell activation processing method
US11007378B2 (en) 2016-02-02 2021-05-18 Ushio Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Sterilization apparatus
US20210308302A1 (en) * 2020-04-07 2021-10-07 Picote Solutions Oy Ltd. Sanitizing device and system comprising the same
US20220096676A1 (en) * 2020-09-29 2022-03-31 Abl Ip Holding Llc Techniques for Directing Ultraviolet Energy Towards a Moving Surface
US11418000B2 (en) 2018-02-26 2022-08-16 Cynosure, Llc Q-switched cavity dumped sub-nanosecond laser
US20220266057A1 (en) * 2021-02-25 2022-08-25 John William Thompson Touchless-switch skin sanitizing system-uvc far light
WO2022248691A1 (en) * 2021-05-28 2022-12-01 Aseptuva Gmbh System for disinfecting skin tissue around catheters
US11524086B2 (en) 2019-12-06 2022-12-13 Leviant, Inc. Proportionality of distributed illumination with adaptive multivector delivery system
US11554187B2 (en) * 2020-04-29 2023-01-17 Israel Nissenbaum Remote pathogen eradication
DE102022003609A1 (de) 2021-09-30 2023-03-30 Mehmet Karaduman Zuverlässige Vorrichtung zur Beschleunigung der Abheilung von infolge von Keimen verursachten Hautentzündungen und Desinfektion von Wunden und der Mundhöhle
US11801396B1 (en) 2020-03-10 2023-10-31 Cosmo Haralambidis Wearable device including UVC light source for reduction in virus and bacteria transmission
US11813370B2 (en) 2012-12-19 2023-11-14 Leviant, Inc. Sterilization units, systems, and methods
US11896783B2 (en) 2016-12-27 2024-02-13 Vasonics, Inc. Catheter housing
KR20240077115A (ko) * 2022-11-24 2024-05-31 국립부경대학교 산학협력단 주사기 근접 광 기반 소독 기기
EP4192549A4 (en) * 2020-08-07 2024-08-14 Becton Dickinson Co MEDICAL DEVICE FOR DISINFECTING A SKIN SURFACE

Families Citing this family (153)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120150163A1 (en) * 1997-08-12 2012-06-14 Joseph Neev Home Use Device and Method for Treating Skin Conditions
CA2447881C (en) * 2001-06-15 2014-02-11 Richard Eckhardt Method and apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a region through a bandage
US7931028B2 (en) 2003-08-26 2011-04-26 Jay Harvey H Skin injury or damage prevention method using optical radiation
US20060183077A1 (en) * 2003-02-24 2006-08-17 George Nikolov Brush and sterilizable tooth extraction forceps
US20060183076A1 (en) * 2003-02-24 2006-08-17 George Nikolov Sterilizable lower mandibular tooth extraction forceps
US7291140B2 (en) * 2003-07-18 2007-11-06 Cutera, Inc. System and method for low average power dermatologic light treatment device
US20050090722A1 (en) * 2003-09-17 2005-04-28 Thomas Perez Method and apparatus for providing UV light to blood
US8029454B2 (en) 2003-11-05 2011-10-04 Baxter International Inc. High convection home hemodialysis/hemofiltration and sorbent system
DE10352556A1 (de) * 2003-11-08 2005-06-09 Medical Intelligence Medizintechnik Gmbh Patientenidentifikationssystem und Patientenpositionierungsverfahren
US20060079948A1 (en) * 2004-10-08 2006-04-13 Timothy Dawson Hand-held ultraviolet germicidal system
US8109981B2 (en) * 2005-01-25 2012-02-07 Valam Corporation Optical therapies and devices
US7686839B2 (en) * 2005-01-26 2010-03-30 Lumitex, Inc. Phototherapy treatment devices for applying area lighting to a wound
US11246951B2 (en) 2005-01-31 2022-02-15 S. Edward Neister Method and apparatus for sterilizing and disinfecting air and surfaces and protecting a zone from external microbial contamination
WO2006102346A2 (en) * 2005-03-22 2006-09-28 Smart Products And Inventions Llc Plungers and devices for storing plumbing tools
US20060261285A1 (en) * 2005-04-04 2006-11-23 Broerman Richard F Toothbrush sterilizer
WO2007051141A2 (en) * 2005-10-26 2007-05-03 Germgard Lighting, Llc Hand sanitizer
US8328792B2 (en) 2005-10-27 2012-12-11 C. R. Bard, Inc. Enhanced pre-wetted intermittent catheter with lubricious coating
GB2433201A (en) * 2005-12-19 2007-06-20 Carglass Luxembourg Sarl Zug Sterilising a surface using portable light energy
US7834328B2 (en) * 2006-01-31 2010-11-16 Redmond Russell J Method and apparatus for sterilizing intraluminal and percutaneous access sites
US20070219600A1 (en) * 2006-03-17 2007-09-20 Michael Gertner Devices and methods for targeted nasal phototherapy
WO2007109136A2 (en) * 2006-03-17 2007-09-27 Light Dimensions, Inc. Light-based enhancing apparatuses and methods of use
US9067060B2 (en) * 2006-04-20 2015-06-30 Joseph Neev Skin treatment and hair treatment device with protruding guards
US7785299B2 (en) * 2006-05-08 2010-08-31 Becton, Dickinson And Company Vascular access device time sensitive status indication
US20080027399A1 (en) * 2006-07-28 2008-01-31 Becton, Dickinson And Company Antimicrobial vascular access device
US8556950B2 (en) 2006-08-24 2013-10-15 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Sterilizable indwelling catheters
US20080306454A1 (en) * 2007-06-06 2008-12-11 Sikora Christopher F Apparatus And Method For Sterilization Of An Intravenous Catheter
US7736328B2 (en) 2007-07-05 2010-06-15 Baxter International Inc. Dialysis system having supply container autoconnection
US8157761B2 (en) * 2007-07-05 2012-04-17 Baxter International Inc. Peritoneal dialysis patient connection system
US8197087B2 (en) * 2007-07-05 2012-06-12 Baxter International Inc. Peritoneal dialysis patient connection system using ultraviolet light emitting diodes
US8764702B2 (en) * 2007-07-05 2014-07-01 Baxter International Inc. Dialysis system having dual patient line connection and prime
US8702640B2 (en) * 2007-08-17 2014-04-22 The Invention Science Fund I, Llc System, devices, and methods including catheters configured to monitor and inhibit biofilm formation
US20090048648A1 (en) * 2007-08-17 2009-02-19 Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware Self-sterilizing device
US8460229B2 (en) 2007-08-17 2013-06-11 The Invention Science Fund I, Llc Systems, devices, and methods including catheters having components that are actively controllable between transmissive and reflective states
US8734718B2 (en) * 2007-08-17 2014-05-27 The Invention Science Fund I, Llc Systems, devices, and methods including catheters having an actively controllable therapeutic agent delivery component
US8647292B2 (en) * 2007-08-17 2014-02-11 The Invention Science Fund I, Llc Systems, devices, and methods including catheters having components that are actively controllable between two or more wettability states
US8114346B2 (en) * 2007-08-17 2012-02-14 The Invention Science Fund I, Llc Event-triggered ultraviolet light sterilization of surfaces
US20090163964A1 (en) * 2007-08-17 2009-06-25 Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware System, devices, and methods including sterilizing excitation delivery implants with general controllers and onboard power
US8706211B2 (en) 2007-08-17 2014-04-22 The Invention Science Fund I, Llc Systems, devices, and methods including catheters having self-cleaning surfaces
US20090177254A1 (en) * 2007-08-17 2009-07-09 Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Of The State Of The State Of Delaware System, devices, and methods including actively-controllable electrostatic and electromagnetic sterilizing excitation delivery system
US8753304B2 (en) * 2007-08-17 2014-06-17 The Invention Science Fund I, Llc Systems, devices, and methods including catheters having acoustically actuatable waveguide components for delivering a sterilizing stimulus to a region proximate a surface of the catheter
US20090163977A1 (en) * 2007-08-17 2009-06-25 Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware System, devices, and methods including sterilizing excitation delivery implants with cryptographic logic components
US8029740B2 (en) 2008-07-11 2011-10-04 The Invention Science Fund I, Llc Event-triggered self-sterilization of article surfaces
US8162924B2 (en) 2007-08-17 2012-04-24 The Invention Science Fund I, Llc System, devices, and methods including actively-controllable superoxide water generating systems
US20110160644A1 (en) * 2007-08-17 2011-06-30 Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware Systems, devices, and methods including catheters configured to release ultraviolet energy absorbing agents
US8366652B2 (en) * 2007-08-17 2013-02-05 The Invention Science Fund I, Llc Systems, devices, and methods including infection-fighting and monitoring shunts
US8252247B2 (en) 2008-05-06 2012-08-28 Ferlic Michael J Universal sterilizing tool
US9572904B2 (en) * 2008-05-06 2017-02-21 Michael J. Ferlic Sterilizing device with pinch actuated cap and housing
CA2724973C (en) 2008-05-20 2015-08-11 University Health Network Device and method for fluorescence-based imaging and monitoring
EP2359882B1 (en) * 2008-07-29 2012-11-14 Mallinckrodt LLC Ultraviolet-sterilizer for tubing connector
ATE537513T1 (de) * 2008-10-08 2011-12-15 Hartmann Paul Ag Medizinisches produkt
US9044544B2 (en) 2008-11-21 2015-06-02 Baxter International Inc. Dialysis machine having auto-connection system with roller occluder
WO2010060079A1 (en) * 2008-11-24 2010-05-27 Gojo Industries, Inc, Through-material uv sterilization of surfaces and methods
EP2384168B1 (en) * 2008-12-04 2014-10-08 Searete LLC Actively-controllable sterilizing excitation delivery implants
US20110152751A1 (en) * 2008-12-04 2011-06-23 Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware Systems, devices, and methods including catheters having UV-Energy emitting coatings
US8585627B2 (en) * 2008-12-04 2013-11-19 The Invention Science Fund I, Llc Systems, devices, and methods including catheters configured to monitor biofilm formation having biofilm spectral information configured as a data structure
US20110295089A1 (en) 2008-12-04 2011-12-01 Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware Systems, devices, and methods including implantable devices with anti-microbial properties
US8399731B2 (en) * 2009-03-19 2013-03-19 Covidien Lp Phototherapy wound treatment
US8574490B2 (en) * 2009-03-31 2013-11-05 Bactriblue, Ltd. Methods and apparatus for reducing count of infectious agents in intravenous access systems
RU2543704C2 (ru) * 2009-04-02 2015-03-10 ДжиИ ХЕЛТКЕР ЛИМИТЕД Применение магнитно-резонансной визуализирующей среды, содержащей гиперполяризованный 13с-пируват, для обнаружения воспаления или инфекции
WO2010132429A2 (en) 2009-05-11 2010-11-18 Regents Of The University Of Minnesota Catheter insertion sterilization
WO2011014201A1 (en) 2009-07-29 2011-02-03 C. R. Bard, Inc. Catheter having improved drainage and/or a retractable sleeve and method of using the same
JP2013501572A (ja) 2009-08-13 2013-01-17 シー・アール・バード・インコーポレーテッド 内部に含水流体の貯蔵場所を有するカテーテルおよび／またはこのカテーテルを使用するカテーテルパッケージおよびこのカテーテルの作製方法および／または使用方法
EP3078393B1 (en) 2009-12-23 2017-11-22 C. R. Bard, Inc. Catheter assembly/package utilizing a hydrating/hydrogel sleeve
US11419770B2 (en) 2010-03-04 2022-08-23 Nymc Biotechnology Commercialization, Llc Bandage with UV disinfectant and microneedles for antimicrobial delivery and fluid absorption from a wound
EP2542291A4 (en) 2010-03-04 2013-08-07 Bard Inc C R CATHETER ASSEMBLY / PACKING WITH A HYDRATIZING / HYDROGEL COVER AND A FILM OUTER LAYER AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION AND USE THEREOF
AU2011281399A1 (en) * 2010-07-22 2013-03-14 Ambicare Health Limited Disposable skin care device
US9592374B2 (en) * 2010-09-01 2017-03-14 Becton, Dickinson And Company Catheter adapter having UV-C antimicrobial radiation source and access window within catheter lumen for intravenous therapy
US8722076B2 (en) * 2010-09-30 2014-05-13 Surmodics, Inc. Photochrome- or near IR dye-coupled polymeric matrices for medical articles
US8512631B2 (en) * 2011-03-09 2013-08-20 James Kerr Sanitization devices and methods of their use
JP5724488B2 (ja) * 2011-03-16 2015-05-27 岩崎電気株式会社 紫外線照射器、及び紫外線照射装置
JPWO2012137475A1 (ja) * 2011-04-07 2014-07-28 パナソニックヘルスケア株式会社 光治療装置
US8838228B2 (en) * 2011-04-15 2014-09-16 Arthur Beisang, III Systems and methods for reducing the proliferation of microorganisms
WO2012176071A2 (en) * 2011-05-13 2012-12-27 Bactriblue, Ltd. Methods and apparatus for reducing count of infectious agents in intravenous access systems
US9101678B2 (en) 2011-11-03 2015-08-11 Elwha Llc Heat-sanitization of surfaces
WO2013086274A1 (en) * 2011-12-09 2013-06-13 Mag Aerospace Industries, Inc. Inline uv led water disinfection and heating
US9808647B2 (en) * 2012-04-05 2017-11-07 Veritas Medical, L.L.C. Methods and apparatus to inactivate infectious agents on a catheter residing in a body cavity
US20180104368A1 (en) * 2012-04-16 2018-04-19 Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. Ultraviolet-Based Sterilization
US9295742B2 (en) 2012-04-16 2016-03-29 Puracath Medical, Inc. System and method for disinfecting a catheter system
US9056147B2 (en) * 2012-05-31 2015-06-16 Becton, Dickinson And Company UV disinfection system for needleless connector
US20130323119A1 (en) * 2012-06-01 2013-12-05 Carefusion 303, Inc. System and method for disinfection of medical devices
EP2874667A1 (en) * 2012-07-19 2015-05-27 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Under-shadowing disinfection system
CN104582738A (zh) * 2012-07-19 2015-04-29 皇家飞利浦有限公司 闪光安全密封特征件
CN104487977A (zh) * 2012-07-19 2015-04-01 皇家飞利浦有限公司 医学应用中的设备感测
WO2014120620A1 (en) 2013-01-29 2014-08-07 Puracath Medical, Inc. Apparatus and method for disinfecting a catheter
ITMI20130155A1 (it) * 2013-02-05 2014-08-06 Asr R Di Montagnani Valerio Dispositivo per l'igienizzazione di strumenti medici
JP2014170921A (ja) * 2013-02-08 2014-09-18 Ushio Inc 紫外線照射装置
US8998882B2 (en) 2013-03-13 2015-04-07 C. R. Bard, Inc. Enhanced pre-wetted intermittent catheter with lubricious coating
US9808579B2 (en) * 2013-05-08 2017-11-07 Elwha Llc Needleless injector systems, and related methods and components
WO2015066238A2 (en) * 2013-10-29 2015-05-07 Ultraviolet Interventions Inc. Systems and methods for sterilization using uv light
WO2015095408A1 (en) * 2013-12-17 2015-06-25 Oregon Health & Science University Ultraviolet disinfection of medical device access sites
CA2934661C (en) 2013-12-18 2021-08-24 Maria Patricia Cohen Uv sterilizing catheters and catheter connectors
US10166321B2 (en) 2014-01-09 2019-01-01 Angiodynamics, Inc. High-flow port and infusion needle systems
KR20170023776A (ko) 2014-02-26 2017-03-06 루마 세러퓨틱스 인코포레이티드 자외선 광선 치료 장치들 및 방법들
US20150290347A1 (en) * 2014-04-09 2015-10-15 Samuel Braden Sterilization for needleless connectors
JP2017513670A (ja) * 2014-04-11 2017-06-01 プラキャス メディカル インコーポレイテッド コネクタ殺菌システム
EP2944565B1 (en) 2014-05-13 2017-09-27 Entrotech, Inc. Erosion protective sleeve
EP3148594A4 (en) * 2014-05-28 2018-04-11 Purplesun Inc. Photochromic detection of ultraviolet irradiation
US11007361B2 (en) 2014-06-05 2021-05-18 Puracath Medical, Inc. Transfer catheter for ultraviolet disinfection
JP6769949B2 (ja) 2014-07-24 2020-10-14 ユニバーシティー ヘルス ネットワーク 診断目的のためのデータの収集および解析
US20160082138A1 (en) * 2014-09-18 2016-03-24 James R. Kermode Ultraviolet disinfection unit
US10166307B2 (en) * 2014-10-28 2019-01-01 Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. Adhesive device with ultraviolet element
JP2018513720A (ja) 2015-03-18 2018-05-31 プラキャス メディカル インコーポレイテッド 紫外線殺菌のためのカテーテル接続システム
US11260210B2 (en) 2015-05-15 2022-03-01 The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York Ultraviolet sleeves for percutaneous devices and methods for using and/or providing the same
US10369243B2 (en) * 2015-12-07 2019-08-06 Diversey, Inc. Photochromic indicator and a method of documenting decontamination of an object using a photochromic indicator
US10646319B2 (en) * 2015-12-30 2020-05-12 Colgate-Palmolive Company Thin, flexible powered oral care device
CN109310527A (zh) 2016-02-09 2019-02-05 鲁玛治疗公司 用于通过光疗法来治疗牛皮癣的方法、组合物和设备
US10525249B2 (en) * 2016-03-07 2020-01-07 Fenwal, Inc. System and method for creating sterile connections using ultraviolet light
WO2017172803A1 (en) * 2016-03-28 2017-10-05 Cormedix Inc. Field sterilizer and vascular connector kit
EP3442653A4 (en) * 2016-04-14 2020-02-26 Feldreich Caro Ruiz AB RADIOTHERAPY APPARATUS COMPRISING AN IONIZATION MODULE AND A UV LIGHT SOURCE
US9956307B2 (en) 2016-05-04 2018-05-01 CatheCare LLC Methods and apparatus for treatment of luer connectors
JP2018020091A (ja) * 2016-07-25 2018-02-08 日機装株式会社 光導入装置
US10688207B2 (en) 2016-08-02 2020-06-23 C. R. Bard, Inc. High energy visible light-based disinfection of medical components
CN106073981B (zh) * 2016-08-24 2018-08-24 中国人民解放军第四军医大学 一种急诊科用四肢创伤低温无菌保护装置
WO2018089643A1 (en) * 2016-11-10 2018-05-17 Puracath Medical, Inc. Needleless connector valve
DE102017107210A1 (de) 2017-04-04 2018-10-04 Universität Rostock Vorrichtung zur keimlastreduktion
US11071853B2 (en) * 2017-06-21 2021-07-27 Uv Light Care, Inc. System and method for sterilization using ultraviolet radiation
US9925285B1 (en) 2017-06-21 2018-03-27 Inikoa Medical, Inc. Disinfecting methods and apparatus
US11638836B2 (en) * 2017-08-23 2023-05-02 Hepco Holdings, Llc Sterilization device utilizing low intensity UV-C radiation and ozone
US10335505B2 (en) * 2017-08-23 2019-07-02 Hepco Holdings, Llc Sterilization device for incision and wound sites utilizing low intensity UV-C radiation and ozone
JP6843728B2 (ja) * 2017-10-26 2021-03-17 日機装株式会社 殺菌装置
GB201718054D0 (en) 2017-11-01 2017-12-13 Smith & Nephew Sterilization of integrated negative pressure wound treatment apparatuses and sterilization methods
US11786620B2 (en) 2018-04-30 2023-10-17 CathBuddy, Inc. Handheld cleaner-disinfector for medical devices
US10639389B2 (en) 2018-04-30 2020-05-05 CathBuddy, Inc Methods and devices for portable sterilization and containment of medical devices
US10765767B2 (en) 2018-06-19 2020-09-08 Inikoa Medical, Inc. Disinfecting methods and apparatus
US11628276B2 (en) 2018-06-25 2023-04-18 Vasonics, Inc. Catheter securement, stabilization, and antimicrobial device
EP3628266B1 (de) * 2018-09-28 2020-10-21 Ivoclar Vivadent AG Bakterienentfernungslaser
JP2020081003A (ja) * 2018-11-16 2020-06-04 テルモ株式会社 医療用部材
US11207510B2 (en) 2018-11-19 2021-12-28 Octet Medical, Inc. Apparatus for applying a treatment solution to a treatment site
EP3924004A4 (en) * 2019-02-11 2023-11-22 HAI Solutions, Inc. FIBER OPTICAL STERILIZATION DEVICE
US11738102B2 (en) * 2019-02-11 2023-08-29 Hai Solutions, Inc. Instrument sterilization device
US10939517B2 (en) 2019-05-15 2021-03-02 SABER Corporation Feedback control of light emitting devices using fluorescent components and light sensors
US12016961B2 (en) * 2019-10-04 2024-06-25 Puracath Medical, Inc. Point of care ultraviolet disinfection system
US20210113727A1 (en) * 2019-10-17 2021-04-22 Analog Devices International Unlimited Company System for detecting and combating urinary catheter-dwelling bacteria
CN114761045A (zh) * 2019-10-22 2022-07-15 Uv合伙有限公司 身体接触装置的消毒和监控
CN113908308A (zh) * 2020-03-17 2022-01-11 优志旺电机株式会社 灭活装置以及灭活方法
JP2021146178A (ja) * 2020-07-13 2021-09-27 ウシオ電機株式会社 不活化装置および不活化方法
US11116858B1 (en) 2020-05-01 2021-09-14 Uv Innovators, Llc Ultraviolet (UV) light emission device employing visible light for target distance guidance, and related methods of use, particularly suited for decontamination
US11986563B1 (en) 2020-05-07 2024-05-21 James William Potthast Portable, safe UV hand and surface sanitizer and method of use
US11786622B2 (en) * 2020-05-08 2023-10-17 Ultra-Violet Solutions, Llc Far UV-C light apparatus
US11524083B1 (en) 2020-05-13 2022-12-13 James William Potthast Personal, portable, hand-held UV sanitizer and method of use
WO2022006489A1 (en) * 2020-07-02 2022-01-06 Microtek, Inc. Disinfection of air and surfaces with ultraviolet light
CN115835837A (zh) 2020-07-10 2023-03-21 爱德华兹生命科学公司 具有扩展和锁定组件的假体心脏瓣膜
JP7193019B2 (ja) * 2020-07-13 2022-12-20 ウシオ電機株式会社 不活化装置および不活化方法
EP4161447A1 (en) 2020-07-13 2023-04-12 Edwards Lifesciences Corporation Clamps for coupling expansion and locking assemblies to frames of prosthetic valves
EP4000648A3 (en) * 2020-11-13 2022-07-27 The Boeing Company Systems and methods for indicating ultraviolet sanitization
US12012551B2 (en) 2020-12-04 2024-06-18 The Boeing Company Systems and methods of use of UV-responsive laminates and methods of fabrication thereof
US20220205656A1 (en) * 2020-12-28 2022-06-30 Michael Milton Ultraviolet light system for use in heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems
US20220339306A1 (en) * 2021-04-22 2022-10-27 Gustavo Adolfo Carlos Fuentevilla Device for sanitizing garments and personal items
US20230061524A1 (en) * 2021-09-02 2023-03-02 Aruna Inovation LLC Liquid, air, and surface treatment using high intensity broad-spectrum pulsed light and method using the same
CN113975658B (zh) * 2021-12-16 2023-12-15 固安翌光科技有限公司 一种静脉插管辅助光疗装置
US20240002249A1 (en) * 2022-07-01 2024-01-04 Carefusion 303, Inc. Medical tubing having differing color states
WO2024155634A1 (en) * 2023-01-16 2024-07-25 Israel Nissenbaum Uv pathogen eradication
US12115271B1 (en) 2023-03-21 2024-10-15 Hepco Holdings, Llc Instant-on handheld sanitizer

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1554682A (en) * 1923-02-21 1925-09-22 Thompson Barlow Co Head cap
US5181393A (en) * 1990-03-08 1993-01-26 Gene Lott Refrigerated waste container with germicidal lamp
US5547635A (en) * 1987-10-22 1996-08-20 Duthie, Jr.; Robert E. Sterilization method and apparatus
US20010023363A1 (en) * 1998-07-09 2001-09-20 Yoram Harth Apparatus and method for high energy photodynamic therapy of acne vulgaris and seborrhea
US20020146343A1 (en) * 2000-12-14 2002-10-10 Jenkins Geoffrey H. Method and apparatus for rapidly sterilizing small objects

Family Cites Families (78)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3900026A (en) * 1973-11-19 1975-08-19 William H Wagner Device for holding and protecting intravenous injection needles
US4006534A (en) 1975-08-22 1977-02-08 Norman Dryer Co., Inc. Variable air supply for fabric dryers
US4239041A (en) 1977-03-03 1980-12-16 Moncrief Jack W Method for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
IT1078261B (it) 1977-05-16 1985-05-08 Renzacci Spa Perfezionamento nelle macchine di lavaggio e asciugatura per indumenti e biancheria
JPS56161054A (en) 1980-05-15 1981-12-11 Ushio Electric Inc Sterilizing method
US4620845A (en) 1981-06-05 1986-11-04 Popovich Robert P Method of peritoneal dialysis involving ultraviolet radiation of dialysis apparatus
US4412834A (en) 1981-06-05 1983-11-01 Baxter Travenol Laboratories Antimicrobial ultraviolet irradiation of connector for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
US4469835A (en) 1981-06-05 1984-09-04 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Connector member adapted for ultraviolet antimicrobial irradiation
US4475900A (en) 1981-06-05 1984-10-09 Popovich Robert P Method of peritoneal dialysis involving ultraviolet radiation of dialysis apparatus
JPS5897364A (ja) * 1981-11-27 1983-06-09 バクスター、インターナショナル、インコーポレイテッド 皮膚部位の無菌隔離
AU560088B2 (en) 1982-04-08 1987-03-26 Smith & Nephew Associated Companies Plc Surgical adhesive dressing
US4500788A (en) * 1983-08-19 1985-02-19 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Device for providing antibacterial radiation
US4910942A (en) 1983-11-23 1990-03-27 Maxwell Laboratories, Inc. Methods for aseptic packaging of medical devices
US4751133A (en) * 1984-11-13 1988-06-14 Thermedics, Inc. Medical patches and processes for producing same
US4727868A (en) * 1984-11-13 1988-03-01 Thermedics, Inc. Anisotropic wound dressing
US5104392A (en) 1985-03-22 1992-04-14 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Laser spectro-optic imaging for diagnosis and treatment of diseased tissue
AU597289B2 (en) * 1985-10-09 1990-05-31 Commonwealth Scientific And Industrial Research Organisation Phototherapy of skin wounds
JPS62286473A (ja) * 1986-06-06 1987-12-12 熊谷　真 光線治療、美容の照射方法及び光線治療、美容の照射装置
US4806770A (en) 1987-02-02 1989-02-21 William M. Hylton Germicidal toothbrush holder
US4950902A (en) 1987-03-03 1990-08-21 Ritter Charles H Toothbrush sterilizer with automatic control and method
US4767405A (en) * 1987-04-03 1988-08-30 Oddvin Lokken Sterile cassette
US4877964A (en) 1987-08-05 1989-10-31 Kureha Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. Ultraviolet sterilizing apparatus
US4868397A (en) 1987-10-09 1989-09-19 Tittel Paul G Sterilizing apparatus for ophthalmological devices
IL85430A (en) 1988-02-16 1991-11-21 Moshe Belilus Ultra-violet device and its use for sterilising objects
US5240544A (en) * 1988-04-05 1993-08-31 Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited Adhesive composition
US4917112A (en) * 1988-08-22 1990-04-17 Kalt Medical Corp. Universal bandage with transparent dressing
US4973847A (en) 1989-08-03 1990-11-27 Dentec Corporation Toothbrush sanitizing device
US5023460A (en) 1990-03-30 1991-06-11 Associated Mills Inc. Toothbrush sanitizer
US5144146A (en) 1990-07-06 1992-09-01 Ultraviolet Energy Generators, Inc. Method for destruction of toxic substances with ultraviolet radiation
US5126572A (en) 1990-12-12 1992-06-30 Chu Tak Y W Toothbush holder
US5193544A (en) 1991-01-31 1993-03-16 Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University System for conveying gases from and to a subject's trachea and for measuring physiological parameters in vivo
US5185532A (en) 1991-05-21 1993-02-09 Oral Card Products Dental instrument sterilizer
US5222949A (en) 1991-07-23 1993-06-29 Intermed, Inc. Flexible, noncollapsible catheter tube with hard and soft regions
US5216251A (en) 1991-10-18 1993-06-01 Matschke Arthur L Apparatus and method for a bio-conditioning germicidal dryer
US5260020A (en) 1992-09-17 1993-11-09 Wilk Peter J Method and apparatus for catheter sterilization
US5240675A (en) 1992-09-24 1993-08-31 Wilk Peter J Method for cleaning endoscope
US5292312A (en) * 1993-01-08 1994-03-08 Struckmeyer Corporation Universal tube lumen catheter holder
US5671314A (en) 1993-01-15 1997-09-23 Sisters Of Prividence In Oregon Illuminator devices for ultraviolet light delivery and methods of making same
US5344419A (en) * 1993-04-23 1994-09-06 Wayne State University Apparatus and method for making a diffusing tip in a balloon catheter system
GB9308672D0 (en) 1993-04-27 1993-06-09 Newman Paul B D Microbial reduction system for foodstuffs,especially fresh and processed meats
US5472714A (en) * 1993-09-08 1995-12-05 Ciba-Geigy Corporation Double-layered oxcarbazepine tablets
US5567616A (en) 1994-03-07 1996-10-22 Dill Instruments Apparatus for supporting and driving a rotating cylinder
US5474528A (en) * 1994-03-21 1995-12-12 Dusa Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Combination controller and patch for the photodynamic therapy of dermal lesion
US6156028A (en) * 1994-03-21 2000-12-05 Prescott; Marvin A. Method and apparatus for therapeutic laser treatment of wounds
US5637877A (en) 1995-06-06 1997-06-10 Rare Earth Medical, Inc. Ultraviolet sterilization of instrument lumens
JPH08291478A (ja) * 1995-04-18 1996-11-05 Kimiteru Houshin 紫外線をあてたときに、色彩を放つ布地
US5607419A (en) 1995-04-24 1997-03-04 Angiomedics Ii Inc. Method and apparatus for treating vessel wall with UV radiation following angioplasty
GB2301272A (en) 1995-05-25 1996-11-27 Merwood Ltd Sterilisation apparatus
US5614151A (en) 1995-06-07 1997-03-25 R Squared Holding, Inc. Electrodeless sterilizer using ultraviolet and/or ozone
DE19544255A1 (de) * 1995-07-21 1997-03-06 G U T Gmbh Vertrieb Von Gesund Verbandsmaterial
JPH09126887A (ja) * 1995-10-30 1997-05-16 Toyo Ink Mfg Co Ltd 紫外線照射量表示材料
ZA967500B (en) * 1995-12-21 1998-03-05 Unilever Plc Device for the identification of acne, microcomedones, and bacteria on human skin.
US5892233A (en) 1996-01-26 1999-04-06 Clement; Richard T. Stethoscope sterilizer
US5786598A (en) 1996-05-22 1998-07-28 Purepulse Technologies, Inc. Sterilization of packages and their contents using high-intensity, short-duration pulses of incoherent, polychromatic light in a broad spectrum
US5925885A (en) 1996-05-22 1999-07-20 Purepulse Technologies, Inc. Parametric control in pulsed light sterilization of packages and their contents
US5898277A (en) 1996-08-20 1999-04-27 National Biological Eta Systems Corporation Apparatus for controlling illumination of a fluorescent lamp
US6087781A (en) 1996-08-20 2000-07-11 National Biological Eta Systems Corporation System for controlling fluorescent lamp operation and illumination
US5788940A (en) 1996-10-23 1998-08-04 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance Sa Method and apparatus for sterilizing cartons through ultraviolet irradiation
US5871522A (en) * 1996-10-28 1999-02-16 Senasco, Inc. Apparatus and method for projecting germicidal ultraviolet radiation
US5758660A (en) * 1996-12-12 1998-06-02 Life Tech Systems Inc. Sterile environment enclosure
US5961870A (en) 1997-07-02 1999-10-05 Hogan; Jim S. Microwave rotating apparatus for continuously processing material
GB9719894D0 (en) 1997-09-18 1997-11-19 Newman Paul B D Microbial decontamination of food
US5920075A (en) 1997-10-22 1999-07-06 Whitehead; Michael D. Ultraviolet sterilization device
US5855203A (en) 1997-12-19 1999-01-05 Matter; Jean-Paul Respiratory circuit with in vivo sterilization
JPH11188081A (ja) 1997-12-25 1999-07-13 Lucent:Kk 携帯用殺菌装置
US6090346A (en) 1997-12-29 2000-07-18 Spectrum Environmental Technologies, Inc. Sterilization using ultraviolet light and ultrasonic waves
JPH11243929A (ja) * 1998-03-06 1999-09-14 Shokuhin Sangyo Denshi Riyou Gijutsu Kenkyu Kumiai 光殺菌方法
US6080189A (en) * 1998-04-06 2000-06-27 Augustine Medical, Inc. Wound treatment apparatus including a heater and an IR-Transparent or IR-Transmissive bandage
US6096264A (en) 1998-07-07 2000-08-01 Peifer; Melvin W. Toothbrush sterilization cabinet
US6165205A (en) * 1998-07-10 2000-12-26 Ceramoptec Industries, Inc. Method for improved wound healing
US5996155A (en) 1998-07-24 1999-12-07 Raytheon Company Process for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing materials using the combination of dense phase gas and ultraviolet radiation
EP1123118A4 (en) 1998-10-22 2002-01-09 Sermed Ind Inc METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STERILIZING A SUBSTANTIALLY AMBIENT TEMPERATURE INSTRUMENT
US6132784A (en) 1999-02-19 2000-10-17 E. W. Brandt & Sons, Inc. Method and apparatus for a UV light disinfection system
CA2299692C (en) * 1999-03-01 2007-09-18 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Method of sterilization
US6465799B1 (en) * 1999-03-01 2002-10-15 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. UV radiation system having materials for selectively attenuating radiation
US6565802B1 (en) * 1999-06-03 2003-05-20 Baxter International Inc. Apparatus, systems and methods for processing and treating a biological fluid with light
US6297047B1 (en) 1999-08-25 2001-10-02 Spx Corporation Ultraviolet sterilization of CO2 cell-culture incubator internal environments
CA2447881C (en) * 2001-06-15 2014-02-11 Richard Eckhardt Method and apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a region through a bandage

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1554682A (en) * 1923-02-21 1925-09-22 Thompson Barlow Co Head cap
US5547635A (en) * 1987-10-22 1996-08-20 Duthie, Jr.; Robert E. Sterilization method and apparatus
US5181393A (en) * 1990-03-08 1993-01-26 Gene Lott Refrigerated waste container with germicidal lamp
US20010023363A1 (en) * 1998-07-09 2001-09-20 Yoram Harth Apparatus and method for high energy photodynamic therapy of acne vulgaris and seborrhea
US20020146343A1 (en) * 2000-12-14 2002-10-10 Jenkins Geoffrey H. Method and apparatus for rapidly sterilizing small objects

Cited By (160)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8328794B2 (en) 1996-12-02 2012-12-11 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. System for electromagnetic radiation dermatology and head for use therewith
US20080294153A1 (en) * 1996-12-02 2008-11-27 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Cooling System For A Photocosmetic Device
US20080139901A1 (en) * 1996-12-02 2008-06-12 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Cooling System For A Photocosmetic Device
US7758621B2 (en) 1997-05-15 2010-07-20 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for therapeutic EMR treatment on the skin
US7935107B2 (en) 1997-05-15 2011-05-03 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Heads for dermatology treatment
US8109924B2 (en) 1997-05-15 2012-02-07 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Heads for dermatology treatment
US8328796B2 (en) 1997-05-15 2012-12-11 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Light energy delivery head
US7763016B2 (en) 1997-05-15 2010-07-27 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Light energy delivery head
US8002768B1 (en) 1997-05-15 2011-08-23 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Light energy delivery head
US8182473B2 (en) 1999-01-08 2012-05-22 Palomar Medical Technologies Cooling system for a photocosmetic device
US9162078B2 (en) * 2000-10-20 2015-10-20 Mela Sciences, Inc. Treatment of skin disorders with UV light
US20130013032A1 (en) * 2000-10-20 2013-01-10 Photomedex Treatment of skin disorders with uv light
US20080183162A1 (en) * 2000-12-28 2008-07-31 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Methods And Devices For Fractional Ablation Of Tissue
US20060058712A1 (en) * 2000-12-28 2006-03-16 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Methods and products for producing lattices of EMR-treated islets in tissues, and uses therefor
US20060004347A1 (en) * 2000-12-28 2006-01-05 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Methods and products for producing lattices of EMR-treated islets in tissues, and uses therefor
US20080033413A1 (en) * 2001-03-01 2008-02-07 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Flashlamp drive circuit
US20070027440A1 (en) * 2001-03-02 2007-02-01 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Apparatus and method for photocosmetic and photodermatological treatment
US20060009750A1 (en) * 2001-03-02 2006-01-12 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Apparatus and method for treatment using a patterned mask
US7942916B2 (en) 2002-05-23 2011-05-17 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Phototreatment device for use with coolants and topical substances
US7942915B2 (en) 2002-05-23 2011-05-17 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Phototreatment device for use with coolants
US10556123B2 (en) 2002-06-19 2020-02-11 Palomar Medical Technologies, Llc Method and apparatus for treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous conditions
US10500413B2 (en) 2002-06-19 2019-12-10 Palomar Medical Technologies, Llc Method and apparatus for treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous conditions
US8915948B2 (en) 2002-06-19 2014-12-23 Palomar Medical Technologies, Llc Method and apparatus for photothermal treatment of tissue at depth
US20080103565A1 (en) * 2002-06-19 2008-05-01 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous conditions
US20070213792A1 (en) * 2002-10-07 2007-09-13 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Treatment Of Tissue Volume With Radiant Energy
US20080033516A1 (en) * 2002-10-07 2008-02-07 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Methods and apparatus for performing photobiostimulation
US20040162549A1 (en) * 2002-11-12 2004-08-19 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for performing optical dermatology
US20100204686A1 (en) * 2002-12-20 2010-08-12 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Light treatments for acne and other disorders of follicles
US20040230258A1 (en) * 2003-02-19 2004-11-18 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for treating pseudofolliculitis barbae
US8268332B2 (en) 2004-04-01 2012-09-18 The General Hospital Corporation Method for dermatological treatment using chromophores
US9452013B2 (en) 2004-04-01 2016-09-27 The General Hospital Corporation Apparatus for dermatological treatment using chromophores
US20080132886A1 (en) * 2004-04-09 2008-06-05 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Use of fractional emr technology on incisions and internal tissues
US20060020309A1 (en) * 2004-04-09 2006-01-26 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Methods and products for producing lattices of EMR-treated islets in tissues, and uses therefor
US20060004306A1 (en) * 2004-04-09 2006-01-05 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Methods and products for producing lattices of EMR-treated islets in tissues, and uses therefor
US8313480B2 (en) * 2004-10-02 2012-11-20 Joseph Neev Device and method for treating skin disorders with thermal energy
US20060074468A1 (en) * 2004-10-02 2006-04-06 Joseph Neev Device and method for treating skin disorders with thermal energy
US20080091187A1 (en) * 2005-03-04 2008-04-17 Searete Llc Hair treatment system
US20060200116A1 (en) * 2005-03-04 2006-09-07 Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware Method and system for temporary hair removal
US8679101B2 (en) 2005-03-04 2014-03-25 The Invention Science Fund I, Llc Method and system for temporary hair removal
US20080145326A1 (en) * 2005-03-04 2008-06-19 Searete Llc Photopatterning of skin
US20060200115A1 (en) * 2005-03-04 2006-09-07 Searete Llc., A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware Hair treatment system
US8562657B2 (en) * 2005-03-04 2013-10-22 The Invention Science Fund I, Llc Photopatterning of skin
US20060200114A1 (en) * 2005-03-04 2006-09-07 Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of State Of Delaware Hair removal system with light source array
US8540701B2 (en) 2005-03-04 2013-09-24 The Invention Science Fund I, Llc Hair treatment system
US8529560B2 (en) 2005-03-04 2013-09-10 The Invention Science Fund I, Llc Hair treatment system
US20060216193A1 (en) * 2005-03-22 2006-09-28 Johnson Kaj A Cleaning tools with UV flash unit
US10434324B2 (en) 2005-04-22 2019-10-08 Cynosure, Llc Methods and systems for laser treatment using non-uniform output beam
US8157807B2 (en) 2005-06-02 2012-04-17 The Invention Science Fund I, Llc Skin treatment including patterned light
US20060276859A1 (en) * 2005-06-02 2006-12-07 Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware Photopatterning of skin
US20060276860A1 (en) * 2005-06-02 2006-12-07 Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware Skin treatment including patterned light
US9055958B2 (en) 2005-06-29 2015-06-16 The Invention Science Fund I, Llc Hair modification using converging light
US20070038270A1 (en) * 2005-07-05 2007-02-15 Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware Multi step photopatterning of skin
US20070049910A1 (en) * 2005-08-08 2007-03-01 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Eye-safe photocosmetic device
US8346347B2 (en) 2005-09-15 2013-01-01 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Skin optical characterization device
US20070208395A1 (en) * 2005-10-05 2007-09-06 Leclerc Norbert H Phototherapy Device and Method of Providing Phototherapy to a Body Surface
US9610123B2 (en) * 2006-05-29 2017-04-04 Urgo Recherche Innovation Et Developpement System for treating skin wounds, bandaging and biochemical activation equipment for employing this system
US20100004682A1 (en) * 2006-05-29 2010-01-07 Alain Cornil System for treating skin wounds, bandaging and biochemical activation equipment for employing this system
US20090204185A1 (en) * 2006-06-14 2009-08-13 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Photothereapy device
US10849687B2 (en) 2006-08-02 2020-12-01 Cynosure, Llc Picosecond laser apparatus and methods for its operation and use
US11712299B2 (en) 2006-08-02 2023-08-01 Cynosure, LLC. Picosecond laser apparatus and methods for its operation and use
US20090292277A1 (en) * 2006-08-02 2009-11-26 Cynosure, Inc. Picosecond laser apparatus and methods for its operation and use
US9028536B2 (en) 2006-08-02 2015-05-12 Cynosure, Inc. Picosecond laser apparatus and methods for its operation and use
US10966785B2 (en) 2006-08-02 2021-04-06 Cynosure, Llc Picosecond laser apparatus and methods for its operation and use
US9107692B2 (en) 2006-09-22 2015-08-18 The Invention Science Fund I, Llc Switchable sterilizing cutting system
US20080077123A1 (en) * 2006-09-22 2008-03-27 Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware Switchable sterilizing cutting system
US20080077145A1 (en) * 2006-09-22 2008-03-27 Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware Sterilizing cutting system
US20080077122A1 (en) * 2006-09-22 2008-03-27 Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware Sterilizing cutting method
US10478248B2 (en) 2007-02-15 2019-11-19 Ethicon Llc Electroporation ablation apparatus, system, and method
US9375268B2 (en) 2007-02-15 2016-06-28 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Electroporation ablation apparatus, system, and method
US20090012511A1 (en) * 2007-06-08 2009-01-08 Cynosure, Inc. Surgical waveguide
US10105141B2 (en) 2008-07-14 2018-10-23 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Tissue apposition clip application methods
US11399834B2 (en) 2008-07-14 2022-08-02 Cilag Gmbh International Tissue apposition clip application methods
US10314603B2 (en) 2008-11-25 2019-06-11 Ethicon Llc Rotational coupling device for surgical instrument with flexible actuators
US9011431B2 (en) 2009-01-12 2015-04-21 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Electrical ablation devices
US10004558B2 (en) 2009-01-12 2018-06-26 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Electrical ablation devices
US9919168B2 (en) 2009-07-23 2018-03-20 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Method for improvement of cellulite appearance
US10779882B2 (en) 2009-10-28 2020-09-22 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Electrical ablation devices
US10098691B2 (en) 2009-12-18 2018-10-16 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Surgical instrument comprising an electrode
EP2465543A1 (en) 2010-12-19 2012-06-20 Marino Pastore Apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting the hands of a person
WO2012084319A1 (en) 2010-12-19 2012-06-28 Marino Pastore Apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting the hands of a person
US10278761B2 (en) 2011-02-28 2019-05-07 Ethicon Llc Electrical ablation devices and methods
US10258406B2 (en) 2011-02-28 2019-04-16 Ethicon Llc Electrical ablation devices and methods
US20210339045A1 (en) * 2011-03-07 2021-11-04 The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York Apparatus, method, and system for selectively effecting and/or killing bacteria
US20150073396A1 (en) * 2011-03-07 2015-03-12 The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York Apparatus, method, and system for selectively effecting and/or killing bacteria
US12083236B2 (en) 2011-03-07 2024-09-10 The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York Apparatus, method and system for selectively affecting and/or killing a virus
US10994153B2 (en) 2011-03-07 2021-05-04 The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York Apparatus, method, and system for selectively effecting and/or killing bacteria
US10071262B2 (en) * 2011-03-07 2018-09-11 The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York Apparatus, method, and system for selectively effecting and/or killing bacteria
US11007291B2 (en) 2011-03-07 2021-05-18 The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York Apparatus, method and system for selectively affecting and/or killing a virus
US10780189B2 (en) 2011-03-07 2020-09-22 The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York Apparatus, method and system for selectively affecting and/or killing a virus
US11013934B2 (en) 2011-03-07 2021-05-25 The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York Apparatus, method and system for selectively effecting and/or killing bacteria
US11590359B2 (en) 2011-03-07 2023-02-28 The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York Apparatus, method, and system for selectively effecting and/or killing bacteria
US11007380B2 (en) 2011-03-07 2021-05-18 The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York Apparatus, method and system for selectively effecting and/or killing bacteria
US11617900B2 (en) 2011-03-07 2023-04-04 The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York Apparatus, method, and system for selectively effecting and/or killing bacteria
US11918828B2 (en) * 2011-03-07 2024-03-05 The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York Apparatus, method, and system for selectively effecting and/or killing bacteria
US11617899B2 (en) 2011-03-07 2023-04-04 The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York Apparatus, method, and system for selectively effecting and/or killing bacteria
US10369379B2 (en) 2011-03-07 2019-08-06 The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York Apparatus, method, and system for selectively effecting and/or killing bacteria
US11617898B2 (en) 2011-03-07 2023-04-04 The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York Apparatus, method, and system for selectively effecting and/or killing bacteria
US11607558B2 (en) 2011-03-07 2023-03-21 The Trustees Of The Columbia University In The City Of New York Apparatus, method, and system for selectively effecting and/or killing bacteria
US9883910B2 (en) 2011-03-17 2018-02-06 Eticon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Hand held surgical device for manipulating an internal magnet assembly within a patient
US11095087B2 (en) 2012-04-18 2021-08-17 Cynosure, Llc Picosecond laser apparatus and methods for treating target tissues with same
US11664637B2 (en) 2012-04-18 2023-05-30 Cynosure, Llc Picosecond laser apparatus and methods for treating target tissues with same
US10305244B2 (en) 2012-04-18 2019-05-28 Cynosure, Llc Picosecond laser apparatus and methods for treating target tissues with same
US10581217B2 (en) 2012-04-18 2020-03-03 Cynosure, Llc Picosecond laser apparatus and methods for treating target tissues with same
US12068571B2 (en) 2012-04-18 2024-08-20 Cynosure, Llc Picosecond laser apparatus and methods for treating target tissues with same
US9780518B2 (en) 2012-04-18 2017-10-03 Cynosure, Inc. Picosecond laser apparatus and methods for treating target tissues with same
US10206709B2 (en) 2012-05-14 2019-02-19 Ethicon Llc Apparatus for introducing an object into a patient
US9427255B2 (en) 2012-05-14 2016-08-30 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Apparatus for introducing a steerable camera assembly into a patient
US11284918B2 (en) 2012-05-14 2022-03-29 Cilag GmbH Inlernational Apparatus for introducing a steerable camera assembly into a patient
US9078662B2 (en) 2012-07-03 2015-07-14 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Endoscopic cap electrode and method for using the same
US9788888B2 (en) 2012-07-03 2017-10-17 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Endoscopic cap electrode and method for using the same
US10492880B2 (en) 2012-07-30 2019-12-03 Ethicon Llc Needle probe guide
US9545290B2 (en) 2012-07-30 2017-01-17 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Needle probe guide
US9572623B2 (en) 2012-08-02 2017-02-21 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Reusable electrode and disposable sheath
US10314649B2 (en) 2012-08-02 2019-06-11 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Flexible expandable electrode and method of intraluminal delivery of pulsed power
US10342598B2 (en) 2012-08-15 2019-07-09 Ethicon Llc Electrosurgical system for delivering a biphasic waveform
US20140052216A1 (en) * 2012-08-15 2014-02-20 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Methods for promoting wound healing
US9788885B2 (en) 2012-08-15 2017-10-17 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Electrosurgical system energy source
US9277957B2 (en) 2012-08-15 2016-03-08 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Electrosurgical devices and methods
US11813370B2 (en) 2012-12-19 2023-11-14 Leviant, Inc. Sterilization units, systems, and methods
US10098527B2 (en) 2013-02-27 2018-10-16 Ethidcon Endo-Surgery, Inc. System for performing a minimally invasive surgical procedure
US11484191B2 (en) 2013-02-27 2022-11-01 Cilag Gmbh International System for performing a minimally invasive surgical procedure
US8946653B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2015-02-03 Teleflex Medical Incorporated UV-C catheter hub sterilization and data acquisition system
US9421290B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2016-08-23 Teleflex Medical Incorporated UV-C catheter hub sterilization and data acquisition system
WO2014159855A1 (en) * 2013-03-14 2014-10-02 Teleflex Medical Incorporated Uv-c catheter hub sterilization and data acquisition system
US11446086B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2022-09-20 Cynosure, Llc Picosecond optical radiation systems and methods of use
US10765478B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2020-09-08 Cynosurce, Llc Picosecond optical radiation systems and methods of use
US10285757B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-05-14 Cynosure, Llc Picosecond optical radiation systems and methods of use
US10245107B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-04-02 Cynosure, Inc. Picosecond optical radiation systems and methods of use
WO2014165854A1 (en) * 2013-04-06 2014-10-09 Belson Ori Device and method to control catheter-related infections
US10183083B2 (en) 2015-08-07 2019-01-22 Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Metal mesh, sterilization determination method, and cleaning determination method
US11007378B2 (en) 2016-02-02 2021-05-18 Ushio Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Sterilization apparatus
US11896783B2 (en) 2016-12-27 2024-02-13 Vasonics, Inc. Catheter housing
US10864287B2 (en) * 2017-12-27 2020-12-15 Ushio Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Microbe inactivation processing method and cell activation processing method
US11433151B2 (en) 2017-12-27 2022-09-06 Ushio Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Microbe inactivation processing method and cell activation processing method
US11511012B2 (en) 2018-01-16 2022-11-29 Leviant, Inc. Adaptive multivector illumination delivery system
US11839704B2 (en) 2018-01-16 2023-12-12 Leviant, Inc. Adaptive multivector illumination delivery system
CN112135644A (zh) * 2018-01-16 2020-12-25 紫阳股份有限公司 自适应多重矢量照明输送系统
WO2019143699A1 (en) * 2018-01-16 2019-07-25 Purplesun Inc. Adaptive multivector illumination delivery system
US11418000B2 (en) 2018-02-26 2022-08-16 Cynosure, Llc Q-switched cavity dumped sub-nanosecond laser
US11791603B2 (en) 2018-02-26 2023-10-17 Cynosure, LLC. Q-switched cavity dumped sub-nanosecond laser
US11246953B2 (en) 2018-07-26 2022-02-15 Bak & Mermel Llc UV light disinfection and cleaning of narrow tube lumens
WO2020023778A1 (en) * 2018-07-26 2020-01-30 Bak & Mermell Llc Uv light disinfection and cleaning of narrow tube lumens
US11723997B2 (en) 2018-07-26 2023-08-15 Bak & Mermel Llc UV light disinfection and cleaning of narrow tube lumens
EP3736019A1 (en) * 2019-05-08 2020-11-11 Led Future Oy Wound care device
US11524086B2 (en) 2019-12-06 2022-12-13 Leviant, Inc. Proportionality of distributed illumination with adaptive multivector delivery system
US11534511B2 (en) 2019-12-06 2022-12-27 Leviant, Inc. Proportionality of distributed illumination with adaptive multivector delivery system
CN110898242A (zh) * 2019-12-18 2020-03-24 周昌贵 一种利用巴氏消毒法快速灭菌酒精浸泡的装置
US11801396B1 (en) 2020-03-10 2023-10-31 Cosmo Haralambidis Wearable device including UVC light source for reduction in virus and bacteria transmission
US11707544B2 (en) * 2020-04-07 2023-07-25 Picote Solutions Oy Ltd. Sanitizing device and system comprising the same
US20210308302A1 (en) * 2020-04-07 2021-10-07 Picote Solutions Oy Ltd. Sanitizing device and system comprising the same
US11554187B2 (en) * 2020-04-29 2023-01-17 Israel Nissenbaum Remote pathogen eradication
EP4192549A4 (en) * 2020-08-07 2024-08-14 Becton Dickinson Co MEDICAL DEVICE FOR DISINFECTING A SKIN SURFACE
US20220096676A1 (en) * 2020-09-29 2022-03-31 Abl Ip Holding Llc Techniques for Directing Ultraviolet Energy Towards a Moving Surface
US12115269B2 (en) * 2020-09-29 2024-10-15 ABL Holding Holding LLC Techniques for directing ultraviolet energy towards a moving surface
US20220266057A1 (en) * 2021-02-25 2022-08-25 John William Thompson Touchless-switch skin sanitizing system-uvc far light
WO2022248691A1 (en) * 2021-05-28 2022-12-01 Aseptuva Gmbh System for disinfecting skin tissue around catheters
DE102022003609A1 (de) 2021-09-30 2023-03-30 Mehmet Karaduman Zuverlässige Vorrichtung zur Beschleunigung der Abheilung von infolge von Keimen verursachten Hautentzündungen und Desinfektion von Wunden und der Mundhöhle
DE102022003609B4 (de) 2021-09-30 2024-09-19 Mehmet Karaduman Zuverlässige Vorrichtung zur Beschleunigung der Abheilung von infolge von Keimen verursachten Hautentzündungen und Desinfektion von Wunden und der Mundhöhle
KR20240077115A (ko) * 2022-11-24 2024-05-31 국립부경대학교 산학협력단 주사기 근접 광 기반 소독 기기
KR102710763B1 (ko) * 2022-11-24 2024-09-26 국립부경대학교 산학협력단 주사기 근접 광 기반 소독 기기

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP4790982B2 (ja) 2011-10-12
WO2002102418A2 (en) 2002-12-27
WO2002102418A3 (en) 2003-10-30
US20030017073A1 (en) 2003-01-23
CA2447881A1 (en) 2002-12-27
JP5148560B2 (ja) 2013-02-20
EP1395338B1 (en) 2010-12-22
CN1531449A (zh) 2004-09-22
WO2002102419A3 (en) 2003-07-31
US20030031586A1 (en) 2003-02-13
US6730113B2 (en) 2004-05-04
EP1395338A2 (en) 2004-03-10
JP2009261957A (ja) 2009-11-12
DE60238677D1 (de) 2011-02-03
US20040034398A1 (en) 2004-02-19
WO2002102419A2 (en) 2002-12-27
EP1395338A4 (en) 2005-09-21
EP2295112A1 (en) 2011-03-16
JP2005508664A (ja) 2005-04-07
CA2447881C (en) 2014-02-11
AU2002344752A1 (en) 2003-01-02

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6730113B2 (en) Method and apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a region through a bandage
CN111065363A (zh) 医疗用敷料
US20160346565A1 (en) Methods and apparatus to deliver therapeutic non-ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation to a body surface
CA2861360C (en) Systems and methods for reducing the proliferation of microorganisms
WO2002102421A1 (en) Method and apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting catheter components
JP4769948B2 (ja) 医療用発光装置
US20080199354A1 (en) Hand sanitizer/sterilizer
JP2009261957A5 (es)
JP2005508664A5 (es)
MXPA03005335A (es) Metodo y aparato para esterilizar rapidamente objetos pequenos.
US20220088409A1 (en) Surgical site disinfection devices
JP2013532503A (ja) 使い捨てのスキンケア装置
WO2019084029A1 (en) STERILIZATION DEVICE
KR102699629B1 (ko) 청진기의 살균 장치
EP3924003A1 (en) Instrument sterilization device
JP7338056B2 (ja) 身体接触装置の消毒および監視
CA2596295C (en) Method and apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a region through a bandage
ES2357886T3 (es) Método para determinar la transmisividad de un apósito.
US20240238614A1 (en) LED-Based Phototherapy Systems and Associated Methods
KR102252850B1 (ko) 정맥주사 수액 자외선 소독기

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: UV-SOLUTIONS, LLC, A MASSACHUSETTS CORPORATION, MA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ECKHARDT, RICHARD;JENKINS, GEOFFREY H.;KIMBALL, SANDRA;REEL/FRAME:013335/0414

Effective date: 20020829

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION