Patent Grant
11351353
The present invention relates to medical device systems, methods, and articles for providing antimicrobial properties in-situ to the proximal end of catheters and drainage tubes.
Hemodialysis catheters allow patients with renal disease to have toxins removed from their bloodstream. Without the use of catheters, many of these patients would not survive. However, long-term hemodialysis catheters have a serious drawback in that a significant percentage of catheters fail due to infection, resulting in elevated mortality rates and large annual healthcare costs associated with treatment. Furthermore, bloodstream infections are a leading cause of death in the United States, and many of those infections are attributable to vascular access devices such as hemodialysis catheters. The mortality rate associated with such infections is considerable.
Therefore, a need exists for a manner in which infections relating to long-term hemodialysis catheters can be reduced.
The present application is directed in part to a device for delivering an antimicrobial composition to the proximal end of a trans-dermal catheter, the device comprising a sealing cover configured for placement over the proximal end of a catheter; and an antimicrobial composition positioned on at least a portion of the interior of the sealing cover.
The present application is also directed, in various implementations, to a device for delivering an antimicrobial composition into the lumen of a trans-dermal catheter and to proximal elements of the transdermal catheter. The device comprises a cover for installing over the end of a catheter, the cover having a protrusion configured for insertion into the proximal end of the catheter. An antimicrobial composition is positioned to be delivered into the catheter and/or at the end of the catheter (such as on the threads of the catheter). At least a portion of the antimicrobial composition is delivered to the exterior of the proximal end of the catheter upon insertion of the protrusion on the sealing cover into the proximal end of the catheter.
The application is further directed in certain implementations to a method of applying an antimicrobial composition to the proximal end of a trans-dermal catheter. The method includes providing a transdermal catheter; filling at least a portion of the proximal end of the transdermal catheter with a lock solution; clamping the transdermal catheter near its proximal end to restrict flow of the lock solution into the distal end of the transdermal catheter; and inserting a protrusion on the interior of a cover into the proximal end of the transdermal catheter. The protrusion sufficiently displaces lock solution so as to have the lock solution flow from the proximal end of the catheter, thereby delivering antimicrobial composition to the exterior of the catheter.
This summary is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The invention is further described in the following detailed description and claims.
The invention may be more completely understood in connection with the following drawings, in which:
It will be noted that in some cross sectional figures the illustrations have been simplified, such as removal of the background threads on the sealing cover so as to make the various aspects of the invention more apparent. See, for example,
The present invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for controlling, preventing and eliminating infectious organisms in medical devices, such as catheters and drainage tubes, and preventing the organisms from entering the bloodstream. The devices, systems, and methods deliver antimicrobial compositions into the lumen and near the entry region of catheters and drainage tubes. In particular, the present application is directed to a device for delivering an antimicrobial composition to the proximal end of a trans-dermal catheter, the device comprising a sealing cover configured for placement over the proximal end of a catheter; and an antimicrobial composition positioned on the sealing cover so as to be delivered to the proximal end of the catheter such that the antimicrobial composition is retained in the proximal end of the catheter and/or is released onto external portions of the proximal end of the catheter.
Research and development into preventing catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) over the last twenty years has been focused on methods for killing the bacteria along the inside and outside length of the catheter. This research has resulted in success at reducing the incidence of CRBSI in some catheter types. For instance, commercially successful antimicrobial coated catheters have resulted in a decrease in the incidence of infection in applications that use short-term (non-tunneled) catheters.
However, these coatings wash off with use and therefore are not effective for long-term applications. The use of long-term (tunneled, cuffed) hemodialysis catheters result in approximately 2.3 bloodstream infections every 1000 catheter days. Expressed another way, a patient dialyzing with a hemodialysis catheter can expect to develop a bloodstream infection, on average, every 14 months.
The present invention prevents, reduces and can even eliminate infectious organisms from the entry region of a catheter or tube, and from within the inner luminal surface of a catheter or other similar medical devices by providing a means for the prolonged presence of an antimicrobial composition and/or providing a means for periodically scrubbing the entry region and/or lumen of the catheter or other medical device to remove the infectious organisms and the biofilm in which infectious organisms proliferate.
The present invention includes methods and devices for killing organisms and preventing organism proliferation and biofilm formation in catheters so that organisms aren't able to exit the catheter and enter the bloodstream of a patient. The article of the present invention prevents, or reduces the number of, organisms reaching the bloodstream by employing any or all of the following example prevention methods: 1) physically blocking migration of organisms outside the catheter, 2) killing organisms along the threads, end face and luer connector (inside and outside of the connector) at the proximal end (outside of the body) of the catheter using an antimicrobial composition, and/or 3) killing organisms within a confined region of the catheter using an antimicrobial composition and/or a physical barrier in the catheter lumen. A fourth mode of action, scrubbing the catheter wall (to physically remove organisms adhered to the interior wall section upon removing the sealing cover from the catheter) may also be used in conjunction with the other methods and devices.
The antimicrobial composition can be delivered as a coating that elutes from a coated elongate member, that is coated onto, or impregnated into, the elongate member (such as 250 μs of chlorhexidine acetate in a layer approximately 2 μm thick along a 17 mm long×1.9 mm diameter elongate member/rod). The elongate member has the added benefit of displacing fluid from within the catheter as it is inserted, transferring the solution to the outer proximal region of the catheter connector (end face and threads).
Antimicrobial compositions from the sealing cover dissolves into the displaced fluid, and thereby disinfects the proximal end of the connector. Furthermore, when the fluid dries, it deposits a coating of chlorhexidine acetate or other appropriate antimicrobial composition on the connector as described above. As an alternative to using the elongate member, chlorhexidine acetate or other antimicrobial composition may be delivered by a coating on a luer tip (such as 250 μg of chlorhexidine acetate in a layer that is approximately 20 μm thick). The luer portion is also coated with an antimicrobial composition in some embodiments (such as 50 μg of chlorhexidine acetate in a layer that is approximately 0.4 μm thick). It is also possible to deliver antimicrobial compositions by way of the connector tip cavity (dry dissolvable amount, applicable for Citrate or others requiring large amounts of antimicrobial composition).
In an example implementation, the invention is directed to a method of delivering an antimicrobial composition to the proximal end of a transdermal catheter, the method comprising: a) providing a transdermal catheter implanted within a patient, the transdermal catheter having a proximal end located outside of the patient and a distal end located at least partially within a blood vessel of the patient, the catheter comprising: i) a hub located at the proximal end of the catheter, ii) exterior threads on the proximal end of the hub, and iii) an interior channel in the hub leading from an opening at the proximal end of the catheter to a lumen in the catheter, wherein at least a portion of the interior channel has a tapered interior surface; b) providing an antimicrobial composition delivery device for insertion into the proximal opening of the catheter, the antimicrobial composition delivery device comprising: i) a tapered member configured for insertion into the catheter hub, the tapered member configured to substantially seal the proximal end of the catheter, ii) an elongate member extending from the tapered member, the elongate member configured for insertion into the catheter hub, iii) an antimicrobial composition positioned on the elongate member, and iv) a retaining ring comprising threads configured to engage the exterior threads on the catheter hub; c) injecting a liquid lock solution into the transdermal catheter such that at least the proximal end of the transdermal catheter is substantially filled with the lock solution; d) applying a clamp across the proximal end of the catheter, the clamp substantially preventing the flow of fluids across the clamped portion of the catheter; and e) after applying the clamp, insertion of the elongate member and tapered member of the antimicrobial delivery device into the hub located at the proximal end of the catheter. The elongate member is retained substantially within the hub of the transdermal catheter; wherein the tapered member of the antimicrobial delivery device sealingly engages the tapered member of the hub of the catheter; and wherein the antimicrobial composition elutes into the lock solution on the proximal end of the clamp.
In certain embodiments, upon insertion of the elongate member into the catheter hub, the antimicrobial composition does not enter the distal end of the catheter or the patient.
In certain embodiments, upon insertion of the elongate member and tapered member into the hub, at least a portion of the lock solution flows backwards out of the hub so as to moisten the threads on the retaining ring and the threads on the hub.
In certain embodiments, upon insertion of the elongate member and tapered member of the antimicrobial delivery device into the hub: the interior of the hub defines a first volume of lock solution, a second volume of lock solution, and a third volume of lock solution; the first and third volumes of lock solution being separated by the second volume of lock solution; and the second volume of lock solution having a constriction such that it has a smaller cross sectional area than the first volume of lock solution or third volume of lock solution.
In certain embodiments, upon insertion of the elongate member and tapered member of the antimicrobial delivery device into the hub: the interior of the catheter defines a first volume of lock solution, a second volume of lock solution, and a third volume of lock solution, the first volume of lock solution having an average diameter greater than the average diameter of the second volume, the second volume of lock solution having an average cross sectional area less than the average cross sectional area of first volume and third volume, and the third volume of lock solution having a cross sectional area substantially equal to the average lumen cross sectional area of the catheter proximal to the clamp. In certain implementations the first volume of lock solution comprises lock solution located in the portion of the interior channel of the hub between the end of the tapered member and the end of the tapered interior surface of the interior channel; wherein the second volume of lock solution lock solution located between the end of the tapered interior surface of the interior channel and the end of the elongate member; and wherein the third volume of lock solution comprises lock solution located within the catheter between the end of the elongate member and the clamp. Optionally the second volume is less than the first volume, and the first volume is less than the third volume. In certain embodiments, upon insertion of the elongate member and tapered member into the hub, antimicrobial concentration in the first volume is initially higher than antimicrobial concentrations in the third volume. In certain embodiments, the antimicrobial concentration in the first volume after 48 hours is at least ten times higher than the antimicrobial concentration in the third volume. In certain embodiments, the amount of antimicrobial in the first and second volumes after 48 hours is at least three times higher than the amount of antimicrobial in the third volume.
The antimicrobial composition forms a precipitate that possesses antimicrobial properties in some implementations; the precipitate is deposited on the interior of the hub.
In some implementations the antimicrobial composition is coated on the elongate member. In some implementations the elongate member is entirely proximal to the clamp. In some implementations the elongate member is contained fully within the hub. Optionally the elongate member has a cross sectional area of at least 25 percent of the cross sectional area of the narrowest point in the channel in the hub.
The elongate member may have (for example) a cross sectional area of at least 50 percent of the cross sectional area of the narrowest point in the channel in the hub, a cross sectional area of at least 75 percent of the cross sectional area of the narrowest point in the channel in the hub, or a cross sectional area less than 90 percent of the cross sectional area of the narrowest point in the channel in the hub.
In some embodiments the transdermal catheter is a hemodialysis catheter having two hubs, and wherein two antimicrobial devices are installed on the two hubs.
Typically, the elongate member has a length that is greater than the length of the tapered member. The elongate member may have a cross sectional area less than 50 percent of the average cross sectional area of the tapered member. Optionally the elongate member has a cross sectional area less than 50 percent of the greatest cross sectional area of the tapered member. In some embodiments the elongate member has a cross sectional area less than 50 percent of the smallest cross sectional area of the tapered member. The elongate member may have a volume at least 50 percent of the volume of the tapered member. In certain embodiments the elongate member displaces a volume at least 0.03 mL out of the hub. The tapered member and elongate member can be rigidly affixed to one another and not separable.
The present invention is also directed to a method of coating an antimicrobial composition on the proximal end of a transdermal catheter, the method comprising: a) providing a transdermal catheter implanted within a patient, the transdermal catheter having a proximal end located outside of the patient and a distal end located at least partially within a blood vessel of the patient, the catheter comprising: i) a hub located at the proximal end of the catheter, ii) exterior threads on the proximal end of the hub; iii) an interior channel leading from an opening at the proximal end of the catheter to a lumen in the catheter, wherein at least a portion of the interior channel has a tapered interior surface; b) providing an antimicrobial delivery device for insertion into the proximal opening of the catheter, the device comprising: i) a tapered member configured for insertion into the catheter hub, the tapered member configured to substantially seal the proximal end of the catheter, ii) an elongate member extending from the tapered member, the elongate member configured for insertion into the catheter hub, iii) an antimicrobial composition positioned on the antimicrobial delivery device, and iv) a retaining ring comprising threads configured to engage the exterior threads on the catheter hub; c) injecting a liquid lock solution into the transdermal catheter such that at least the proximal end of the transdermal catheter is substantially filled with the lock solution; d) applying a clamp across the proximal end of the catheter, the clamp substantially preventing the flow of fluids across the clamped portion of the catheter; and e) after applying the clamp, insertion of the elongate member and the tapered member of the antimicrobial delivery device into the hub located at the proximal end of the catheter; wherein upon insertion of the elongate member, the antimicrobial composition forms an antimicrobial precipitate within the lock solution; and wherein the antimicrobial precipitate coats the internal channel of the hub of the catheter. Optionally, upon the antimicrobial precipitate coating the internal channel of the hub, the antimicrobial agent and the antimicrobial precipitate are not delivered into the catheter lumen distal to the clamp or into the patient. Also, the antimicrobial precipitate can be formed through a chemical reaction involving a chlorhexidine ion and a chlorine ion.
The following detailed description presents a description of certain specific embodiments to assist in understanding the claims. However, one may practice the present invention in a multitude of different embodiments as defined and covered by the claims.
In one aspect, the present invention includes an organism barrier at the external end of the catheter, also referred to herein as the proximal end of the catheter. This barrier provides a seal to keep organisms from reaching the end face and luer portions of the connector on a catheter. This can be accomplished in a first embodiment by placing an elastomeric flap or gasket (i.e., silicone, neoprene, polyurethane, etc.) that is positioned at the end of the sealing cover's connector or, alternatively, along the inner wall of the sealing cover's locking-ring. The flap preferably makes a fluid tight seal against the outer wall of the catheter's connector, thereby decreasing the likelihood of microbial incursion and preventing microbial growth. In the alternative, a barrier may be formed by placing foam, either closed cell or open cell, that preferably contains an antimicrobial composition, along the inner wall of the sealing cover's retaining ring and/or at the most proximal location in the sealing cover such that it will abut and seal against the proximal end of the catheter's connector surface (also called the end face).
An embodiment using an antimicrobial composition along the sealing cover's thread region, but not containing an organism barrier, can also be used to reduce the number of organisms that can enter the catheter. This reduction in the number of organisms that can enter the catheter can be accomplished by killing organisms within the thread and end face region.
The sealing cover is optionally designed to transfer antimicrobial composition from the sealing cover to the catheter threads. This is accomplished, for example, by displacing fluid from the catheter into the thread region of the connector. In certain embodiments an elongate member and luer, when entering the catheter, displace the catheter's fluid, causing the fluid to flow out into the thread region between the connector and the sealing cover. Antimicrobial composition dissolves in the fluid, causing the fluid to become saturated with antimicrobial composition. The antimicrobial fluid produces an effective antiseptic region, killing organisms on the connector. Furthermore, as the fluid dries, antimicrobial precipitates from the fluid and is deposited onto the catheter threads and end face. This process is repeated every time a new sealing cover is placed onto the catheter, thus replenishing the antimicrobial composition on the catheter's proximal region with each new sealing cover.
In a further aspect, the invention is directed to adding of an antimicrobial composition along a luer connector. This can be accomplished, for example, by coating a male luer connector with various antimicrobial compositions.
In an additional aspect, the invention is directed to delivery of an antimicrobial composition inside the catheter. The antimicrobial can be delivered as a coating that elutes from a coated elongate member that is coated on (or impregnated into) an elongate member. The elongate member has the added benefit of displacing fluid from within the catheter as it is inserted, thereby transferring the fluid to the outer proximal region of the catheter connector (end face and threads). Antimicrobial composition from the sealing cover dissolves into the displaced fluid, thereby disinfecting the proximal end of the connector.
Furthermore, when the fluid dries, it deposits a coating of chlorhexidine acetate or other appropriate antimicrobial composition onto the connector as described above. As an alternative to using the elongate member, the chlorhexidine acetate or other antimicrobial composition may be delivered by a coating on a luer tip (such as 250 μg of chlorhexidine acetate in a layer that is approximately 20 μm thick). A minimum of 10 μg of chlorhexidine acetate on the elongate member is effective for many organisms in some implementations. A desirable minimum of greater than 100 μg is effective for most organisms, and a further desired minimum of 250 μg is highly effective against all of the major target organisms.
Types of antimicrobial compositions can include, without limitation, chlorhexidine base, chlorhexidine acetate, chlorhexidine gluconate, EDTA, iodine, silver sulfadiazine, or Taurolidine; or combinations thereof. Other antimicrobial compositions may also be used.
Typically, these methods are also used in conjunction with confinement of the antimicrobial in the catheter, such as by relying on a catheter clamp to confine the antimicrobial composition in a portion of the proximal end of the catheter (that portion of the catheter outside of a patient and in particular that portion nearest the connector on the catheter by which fluids enter and leave the catheter). Extension tube clamps are typically part of each hemodialysis catheter and are currently used to confine lock solutions that are used to help ensure catheter patency. Using the existing clamp methodology, the risk of air embolus and lock solution entering the patient is very small and consistent with the current state of the art for conducting hemodialysis procedures. In other medical devices, such as catheters that do not possess catheter clamps, a swellable sealing cover tip or other confinement technique, such as those described in United States patent application publication number US 2010/0106103, may be used.
Organism mechanical removal can also be utilized. In this regard, a portion of the elongate member can scrap the catheter wall upon removal, such as by having ribs incorporated into the elongate member. In some implementations, after placing the elongate member into the catheter, anisotropic swelling moves ribs (or other projections) against the interior wall of the catheter, which provides a tighter fit against the wall after swelling and further promotes mechanical removal of the organisms when the elongate member is removed from the catheter along with the rest of the sealing cap. Also, in some implementations the tip of the elongate member swells (or other portions such as ribs to swell) or swelling occurs along the length of the elongate member. Generally, the elongate member's unswollen diameter is smaller than the catheter lumen when the elongate member is being inserted but swells to conform to the inner shape (or larger) of the catheter lumen to enhance the mechanical removal of the organisms during removal. Various polyurethanes or other material may be used to produce suitable anisotropic swelling and mechanical stability; more specifically, Lubrizol 1065D is suitable for a non-swelling elongate member and TG-500 is suitable for an anisotropic swelling (or isotropic swelling) tip which may be bonded with each other using heat bonding or other suitable methods.
An embodiment of the invention, herein referred to as a “sealing cover”, prevents the migration of infectious organisms into the body by providing an antimicrobial and/or physical barrier preventing movement of infectious organisms in to the catheter, as well as preventing reproduction of infectious organisms within the proximal end of the catheter.
The sealing cover optionally contains an elongate member that can be inserted into a medical device, such as a catheter or a drainage tube. For the sake of simplicity, the term “catheter” is used for all medical devices in which the present invention can be inserted and used to control, prevent, and eliminate infectious organisms. The sealing cover may be removed from the catheter to allow the catheter to be used in a dialysis procedure or other procedure. After the procedure is complete, a new sealing cover may be used to seal and protect the catheter. The removal of one sealing cover and the replacement with a new sealing cover may be repeated an indefinite number of times. With each new sealing cover, the antimicrobial composition inside and outside of the catheter is reestablished. Another aspect is that antimicrobial composition is transferred from the sealing cover to the catheter with each use.
In the case of using the sealing cover with dialysis catheters, the present invention is generally designed to be replaced regularly after each dialysis session, approximately three times per week. This replenishes the antimicrobial composition with each replacement, resulting in a consistent and high concentration of antimicrobial composition present within and upon the catheter on an ongoing basis resulting in decreased risk of infection. However, the confinement method, such as clamps, as used in conjunction with the invention, prevents a significant amount of antimicrobial composition from leaking into the bloodstream on a regular basis, which also maintains a higher concentration of antimicrobial composition in the proximal end of the catheter, where a significant danger of microbe infiltration exists.
In addition, separation between the antimicrobial composition and blood can result in lower infection rate, fewer side effects, and less risk of developing resistant bacteria because a non-antibiotic antimicrobial is used. In certain embodiments, the present invention creates a physical barrier between the blood and the antimicrobial composition. The barrier greatly reduces the exchange of antimicrobial composition with blood circulating in the body, resulting in fewer side effects from the antimicrobial composition. This can result in a more consistent level of antimicrobial composition along the length of the catheter adjacent to the sealing cover. Additionally, the barrier reduces the amount of antimicrobial composition entering the bloodstream, thus reducing the risk of an adverse reaction to the composition or developing organisms resistant to the antimicrobial composition.
In comparison, it is well-known that liquid locking compositions can and do routinely migrate into the bloodstream, and the blood can migrate into the catheter, thus reducing the effectiveness of the antimicrobial composition, increasing the possibility of bacteria entering the bloodstream and increasing the rate of thrombosis in the catheter. The act of flushing the catheter lumen with a fluid composition into the lumen will result in the removal of blood from the lumen and thus reduce the risk of thrombosis. If the liquid composition is an anti-thrombotic lock, such as heparinized saline or saline with 4% sodium citrate, the risk of thrombosis is further reduced. The use of a confinement means, as described in the present invention as a swellable elongate member tip, swellable elongate member, or catheter clamp, prevents the blood from reentering the lumen and results in a lower risk of thrombosis in the lumen.
A further aspect of the invention relates to protecting the sealing covers from contamination prior to use and during handling in order to keep the elongate member and luer sterile prior to insertion into the catheter. A package that covers the elongate member and luer may be used. A standard package, which protects one luer and elongate member, is suitable for keeping one elongate member and luer sterile. A novel package is hereafter described which improves handling while maintaining sterility protection and facilitates low-cost injection molding.
The packaging container holds two sealing covers, where the two sealing covers are held 180 degrees opposed in an axially offset manner, typically with at least a portion of the two elongate members axially overlapping one another, with a physical barrier between the two sealing covers. The packaging container functions as a shield to protect the sealing cover, and also to maintain sterility of the sealing cover as well as to prevent loss of the antimicrobial composition located on the portions of the sealing cover that will be inserted into the catheter.
The packaging container may have threads to provide a means for removably attaching the sealing covers to the packaging body. This configuration allows the user to hold one piece rather than two, thus easing handling and decreasing the risk of dropping the sealing covers. The barrier between the two sealing covers ensures that, when one sealing cover is removed from the packaging container, that the other sealing cover remains sterile. The sealing covers, secured within the packaging, may be contained in a pouch using a suitable material, such as a metal film with a polymer laminate to facilitate heat sealing. The metal layer is useful to minimize adverse effects of humidity. The device, inside the pouch, may be sterilized using gamma radiation or other suitable sterilization method. Gamma radiation has the advantage of effectively sterilizing the product while it is contained within moisture-proof packaging.
Referring now to the figures, example implementations of the invention are shown.
Packaging container 250 provides for easier handling and storage of the sealing covers 220 and 320 because there are relatively few parts to handle and hold. The packaging container system 210 is optionally shipped and stored within a heat-sealed foil-pouch (not shown) and gamma sterilized, although other packing and sterilization techniques can be used. The foil-pouch is generally opened at the clinic immediately before use of the sealing covers. Sealing cover threads 141 removably engage packaging container threads 159 to allow easy removal of the sealing covers 220, 320 from the packaging container 250. The sealing cover 220 also shows a central protrusion 131 comprising a further elongate member 133 extending beyond the central protrusion 131. A flattened side 157 of the packaging container 250 creates a convenient feature for gripping the packaging container 250 as the sealing covers 220, 320 are removed. In addition, the flattened side 157 of packaging container 250 disrupts the rotational symmetry of the packaging container 250, thus making the packaging container system 210 resistant to rolling onto the floor or being dropped.
The packaging container 250 provides protection to the sealing covers 220, 320 and further promotes sterility prior to use because each of the sealing covers 220, 320 are separated by a wall 256. In an example embodiment, the most proximal portion 231 of a central protrusion 131 on sealing cover 220 contacts the receiving edge 158 of the packaging container 250. The central protrusion 131 functions as a protrusion for subsequently engaging the proximal end of a catheter to seal the proximal end of the catheter. In the embodiment shown in
In addition, the elongate member 133 provides a volume that aids in displacing fluids within the proximal end of transdermal catheters, including displacing fluids such that they exit from the proximal end of the transdermal catheter so as to deliver antimicrobial compositions to the proximal end of the transdermal catheter (such as to the end of the catheter hub and the threads on the catheter hub. This displacement of fluid, combined with the delivery of an antimicrobial composition into the catheter, results in a flow of antimicrobial composition containing fluid out through the proximal end of the transdermal catheter. In the alternative, or in addition, the displacement of fluids from the proximal end of the transdermal catheter can result in moistening antimicrobial compositions that are coated on the central protrusion 131 formed as a male luer connector, as well as on the sealing cover threads 141 and on the interior of the sealing cover 120. This moistening of the antimicrobial composition can bring the antimicrobial composition into solution, thereby killing microbes near the proximal end of the catheter—both within the catheter and, in specific embodiments, on the outside of the catheter.
In this manner, antimicrobial compositions are delivered to locations along the exit path for the displaced fluid: along the luer connection, at the end of the transdermal catheter, and at threads on both the sealing cover 120 and on the external threads on the proximal end of the catheter. Thus, multiple processes can combine to reduce the population of microbes at the proximal end of the catheter, thereby preventing or limiting their migration into the interior of the catheter, from where they could otherwise subsequently migrate into a patient's bloodstream.
The elongate member 133 is generally formed of a polymeric material that allows it to be bent without breaking. Polymers with a minimum elongation at break of 100% are preferred. In addition, the polymer will typically allow a solvent (which is used in the antimicrobial composition coating process) to wet the surface evenly until the solvent evaporates, and an antimicrobial composition will typically adhere well to the surface of the elongate member 133 such that the coating does not flake or fall off during handling. Various polymer materials may be used that meet these requirements, such as polyester, nylon, polyetherimide, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride or other similar materials. Alternatively, the elongate member 133 may be manufactured using a dissolvable material that is impregnated with an antimicrobial composition, such that the antimicrobial is released into the solution when the elongate member 133 dissolves.
Portions of the sealing cover 120 are typically coated and/or impregnated with an antimicrobial composition. In one embodiment, the antimicrobial composition is applied as a coating, with different amounts optionally applied to the elongate member 133, the central protrusion 131, and the sealing cover threads 141. The antimicrobial composition can also be incorporated within the bulk polymer material, but coating the surface is preferred because surface coatings can generally be released into solution more rapidly than bulk agents; additionally, surface coatings tend to require less overall antimicrobial composition than bulk agents because the antimicrobial composition on the surface is more readily dissolved. In some implementations a combination of surface coatings and incorporation into bulk polymer materials is used.
Suitable methods of coating the sealing cover 120 are spraying and dipping, with spray coating being desirable because the amount of antimicrobial composition applied to each region (elongate member 133, central protrusion 131, and sealing cover threads 141) can more easily be adjusted without affecting the amount located on other regions.
Silicone, fluropolymers or other lubricious coatings may also be applied to the central protrusion 131 to reduce the amount of torque required to remove the sealing cover from the catheter hub.
The catheter contains a junction 186 where the extension tubes 180 transition from two tubes with two lumens into one tube with two lumens; the two lumens 188, 288 run from hubs 272, 372 to catheter tip 189 without fluidly connecting with the other lumen. The arterial hub 272 is attached to the proximal end of one extension tube 180, and the venous hub 372 is attached to the proximal end of the other extension tube 180. In the depicted embodiment, a clamp 184 is positioned on each of the extension tubes 180, allowing the flow in the lumen to be blocked or opened. In practice, the clamps 184 are closed except during a dialysis session or other transferring of fluids within the catheter 170. The clamps 184 are typically repositioned each time they are opened in order to minimize the risk of damaging the extension tube 180 through multiple clamping in the same location. The clamps 184 are generally closed prior to insertion of either sealing cover 220, 320. In this manner, the sealing covers 220, 320 do not have any portion that project deeply into the catheter. Instead, in an example embodiment, the design is such that the sealing covers primarily project into the hubs 272, 372 with elongate member 133 (see
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In addition, the elongate member 133 must possess a small enough diameter to ensure that it can physically fit within the hub lumen 179. In embodiments where the elongate member 133 is long enough to enter extension tube 180 extending from the hub 172, the diameter of the extension tube 180 must also accommodate the elongate member.
The surface area of the elongate member 133 should be large enough to allow for the desired amount of antimicrobial composition to be coated on the surface using spraying or dipping operations (or other application methods, including incorporation directly into the elongate member). The surface area is generally sized to produce an acceptable dissolution rate such that the antimicrobial composition enters the lock solution at an acceptable rate and dosage. It is desirable for the antimicrobial composition to reach an effective level within an hour of the sealing cover 120 being inserted into the catheter 170.
If the elongate member extends into the pinch point 185 of the clamp 184, it can potentially cause damage or leaking of the lock solution present within the catheter. Therefore, the length of the elongate member 133 should be sufficiently short to ensure that it does not reach the pinch point 185 of the clamp 184. Suitable diameters for the elongate member 133 include 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm; and 1.7 mm to 1.9 mm. A suitable length includes less than 20 mm for the elongate member 133, alternatively less than 10 mm, less than 30 mm, or less than 40 mm. A particularly desirable length is 17 mm to 19 mm, but can vary for use with various catheters. Typically, the elongate member 133 is longer than central protrusion 131. For example, the elongate member can be from 1 to 10 times the length of the central protrusion 131. In some implementations the elongate member can be from 1 to 5 times the length of the central protrusion 131, in certain embodiments the elongate member is from 1 to 2.5 times the length of the central protrusion 131. It is also possible to have the elongate member 133 be shorter than the central protrusion 131. Generally, the elongate member 133 is significantly thinner than the central protrusion 131, such as less than half the diameter of the widest diameter of the central protrusion 131.
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In this manner a coating of an antimicrobial composition becomes transferred to the catheter threads 178 and the end face 176, resulting in an enhanced ability to kill any organisms on the catheter threads 178 and the end face 176, even if the organisms contaminate the surfaces after the solution dries. In practice, the void is often times infiltrated with sweat that contains organisms. In this scenario the dried antimicrobial composition becomes hydrated by the sweat, killing organisms that may be present in the sweat. Furthermore, the catheter threads 178 and the end face 176 become replenished with additional antimicrobial composition every time a new sealing cover 120 is inserted. In current practice, a new sealing cover is used after every dialysis session. The ability of the sealing cover 120 to replenish the antimicrobial composition on a catheter 170, into a targeted location with a high risk of serving as a microorganism source, overcomes a significant shortcoming of antimicrobial coated catheters in which the antimicrobial composition wears off with use or is only applied to the interior of the catheter. A desirable amount of antimicrobial composition on the catheter threads 178 and sealing cover threads 141 is 20 μg to 2 mg, alternatively 200 μg to 1.5 mg, and desirably 500 μg to 1.2 mg of chlorhexidine acetate. However, it will be understood that different levels can also be achieved with success.
Typically, the central protrusion 131 makes contact with the female luer 175 to create a fluid tight seal. These parts are typically manufactured in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization standard ISO 594-2:1998(E) in order to ensure proper sealing and intermateability. However, the junction between the male luer forming the central protrusion 131 and the female luer 175 is not fluid tight along the entire length of the interface. Some manufacturers of medical device hubs intentionally manufacture their female luers such that the male luer contacts the female luer near the male luer end face. This is done in order to reduce the risk of the splitting the hub. However, the unintended consequence is that proximal end of the luer interface allows for the potential infiltration of organisms.
Under prior practice, once the organisms are present, they may be pushed further into hub lumen 179 by current sealing covers (or other devices) the next time a sealing cover (or other device) is inserted. Once the organisms are within the hub lumen (distal to the male luer) they can multiply, resulting in planktonic and sessile organisms, and eventually a biofilm. This problem can be countered by placing an antimicrobial composition along the central protrusion 131. The antimicrobial composition kills organisms that may be or become present along the female luer 175 before the organisms have a chance to be pushed into the hub lumen 179 or further multiply. Even with these protective measures, there is still a possibility that some organisms can make it beyond the female luer 175. To overcome that potential shortcoming, antimicrobial composition may also be present on the elongate member 133, which dissolves or elutes into the lock solution 190, to kill organisms in the hub lumen.
The minimum amount of antimicrobial composition on the elongate member 133 is the amount required to obtain an acceptable reduction (also referred to as kill) of infection causing organisms. The volume of solution that the antimicrobial composition dissolves into is important to understand because the more solution that is present, the more dilute the antimicrobial composition can become. The confined volume of lock solution 190 within the lumen is defined by the location of the meniscus 192, the geometry of the hub lumen 179, the geometry of the extension lumen 182, and the location of the pinch point 185. Since each of these items may vary, there is a considerable range of confined fluid volumes that is possible. After accounting for the design variations of existing hemodialysis catheters, it is evident that an example embodiment needs to produce a therapeutic concentration of antimicrobial composition within a 0.7 ml volume. In one embodiment, the amount of chlorhexidine acetate on the elongate member 133 is 10 μg to 5 mg. In an alternative embodiment, the amount of chlorhexidine acetate is 100 μg to 2 gm. In yet another embodiment, the elongate member contains 250 μg to 550 μg of chlorhexidine acetate.
The desired maximum amount of antimicrobial composition that is placed on each of the sealing cover's surfaces was developed by first reviewing how much antimicrobial is safe for the patient and then comparing that to how much antimicrobial composition the patient can potentially be exposed to by each of the sealing cover's 120 surfaces that contain antimicrobial composition (elongate member 133, central protrusion 131, and sealing cover threads 141). The amount of antimicrobial that is safe for the patient was determined by reviewing published information on levels (especially bloodstream levels) that are generally regarded as safe for patients.
Testing was conducted in order to derive how much antimicrobial composition the patient can potentially be exposed to from sealing cover 120. The testing was designed to determine the transfer efficiency of antimicrobial composition from each applicable component (elongate member 133, central protrusion 131, and sealing cover threads 141) to the bloodstream. In order to determine the potential bloodstream level, consideration was given for potential patient exposure that could occur under a variety of conditions, including unusual use or misuse (such as injecting the lock solution into the patient's bloodstream instead of aspirating the solution). The potential patient exposure was determined for each component individually and for the entire sealing cover 120.
These embodiments can produce broad spectrum kill of the target organisms, yet result in a low enough dose of chlorhexidine acetate that, even if all of the lock solution containing chlorhexidine acetate is injected directly into the bloodstream, it will result in a bloodstream level that remains at safe levels. Thus, the present invention is characterized by relatively high concentrations of antimicrobial compositions in the relatively low fluid volumes, but the quantity of actual antimicrobial used is relatively small. Also, the antimicrobial is generally able to be kept from meaningfully being added to the patient's bloodstream because the antimicrobial is generally contained to the proximal (outside of the body) portion of the catheter, and because relatively small quantities of antimicrobial materials are even used.
Furthermore, it will be understood that in typical embodiments a certain percent of the antimicrobial doesn't even get delivered and retained within the catheter, but rather is delivered to the exterior proximal end of the catheter, such as the end of the hub and threads on the exterior of the hub. This positioning of the antimicrobial in these locations results in potentially higher exclusion of microbial organisms, while also avoiding adding antimicrobial compositions to the patient's bloodstream. In some example implementations up to 50 percent of the antimicrobial is delivered to the outside surfaces of the proximal end of the catheter; in other implementations up to 25 percent of the antimicrobial composition is delivered to the outside surfaces of the proximal end of the catheter; and in yet other implementations up to 10 percent of the antimicrobial composition is delivered to the outside surfaces of the proximal end of the catheter.
In an embodiment of the invention the antimicrobial composition is chosen for its ability to form fine antimicrobial particles within the lock solution through a chemical reaction known as precipitation. The preferred antimicrobial composition forms precipitate within the most common lock solutions such as heparin and saline. The preferred antimicrobial composition creates a precipitate that settles on the catheter wall at the proximal end of the catheter, resulting in an effective antimicrobial coated catheter. A preferred antimicrobial composition is chlorhexidine acetate. Other antimicrobial compositions may also be chosen for their ability to precipitate, such as the other chlorhexidine salts.
In such embodiments, a substantial amount of chlorhexidine precipitate remains on the wall of the catheter, even after flushing the lock solution from the catheter and further rinsing with a saline flush, thus it has been demonstrated that the invention imparts antimicrobial properties to the catheter even after the antimicrobial delivery device is removed. In addition, in certain embodiments the amount of antimicrobial composition on the catheter wall increases with repeated use of this invention. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that the amount of antimicrobial composition on one or more of the following catheter surfaces: the extension lumen 182, hub lumen 179, female luer 175, proximal end 174, and the catheter threads 178, increased with multiple uses of certain embodiments of the sealing cover 141. The invention may be used to create an antimicrobial coating on the catheter hub threads, the catheter end face, the catheter luer taper, the interior channel of the hub, or combinations thereof.
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Upon insertion of the sealing cover into the proximal end of a transdermal catheter, the antimicrobial composition elutes into the lock solution 190. However, the configuration of the volumes, as shown in
Thus in certain embodiments, upon insertion of the elongate member and tapered member of the antimicrobial delivery device into the hub, the interior of the catheter defines a first volume of lock solution (such as B-B′ to C-C′), a second volume of lock solution (such as C-C′ to D-D′), and a third volume of lock solution (such as D-D′ to the catheter clamp), the first volume of lock solution having an average diameter greater than the average diameter of the second volume, the second volume of lock solution having an average cross sectional area less than the average cross sectional area of first volume and third volume, and the third volume of lock solution having a cross sectional area substantially equal to the average lumen cross sectional area of the catheter proximal to the clamp. In certain implementations the first volume of lock solution comprises lock solution located in the portion of the interior channel of the hub between the end of the tapered member and the end of the tapered interior surface of the interior channel; wherein the second volume of is lock solution located between the end of the tapered interior surface of the interior lumen and the end of the elongate member; and wherein the third volume of lock solution comprises lock solution located within the catheter between the end of the elongate member and the clamp. Optionally the second volume is less than the first volume, and the first volume is less than the third volume. In certain embodiments, upon insertion of the elongate member and tapered member into the hub, antimicrobial concentration in the first volume is initially higher than antimicrobial concentrations in the third volume. In certain embodiments, the antimicrobial concentration in the first volume after 48 hours is at least ten times higher than the antimicrobial concentration in the third volume. In certain embodiments, the amount of antimicrobial in the first and second volumes after 48 hours is at least three times higher than the amount of antimicrobial in the third volume.
In one embodiment a syringe can be used to fill the hub lumen 179, if the syringe is removed without injecting additional fluid as the syringe is removed, the hub volume will be under filled by the protrusion of the syringe. In that case the displaced volume is equal to the volume of the central protrusion 131 in addition to the volume of the elongate member 133, and minus the volume of the protrusion of the syringe. In an embodiment the volume of the protrusion of the syringe is 0.070 mL. In an embodiment the volume of the central protrusion is 0.074 mL. In an embodiment the volume of the elongate member is 0.053 mL. In an embodiment the volume of the thread region of the sealing cover 120 is 0.034 mL. It is desirable to wet the threads of the retaining ring and the hub with the displaced lock solution; to ensure wetting of the threads in this embodiment, the elongate member has a volume equal to or greater than 0.030 mL.
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The lock solution in void 194 also acts as a barrier to organism infiltration. It contains antimicrobial composition that has dissolved from the sealing cover 120 surfaces (elongate member 133, central protrusion 131, and catheter threads 178). In a desired embodiment, the antimicrobial levels result in an antimicrobial concentration that is highly effectively at killing a broad spectrum of organisms.
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The thread seal 148 is preferably made of an elastic foam material that is sealing coverable of conforming around the catheter threads 178 while the sealing cover 120 is being inserted, and it should also conform to the shape of the hub 172 so it creates an effective organism-blocking seal. The most distal end of the thread seal 148 often has a thin layer of closed polyurethane to help reduce evaporation of the solution. The thread seal 148 is desirably made of a durable material so it does not rip or tear. One aspect of the thread seal 148 is that it allows fluid to cover the thread seal 148 as the sealing cover 120 is being inserted into the catheter 170, yet it acts as a barrier to substantially retain the lock solution that was pushed into the filled void 194 during insertion. In the preferred embodiment, this is accomplished by manufacturing the thread seal 148 out of an open cell hydrophilic medical polyurethane foam and having a thin layer of solid polyurethane at the most distal end of the thread seal 148. The thread seal 148 and the antimicrobial composition incorporated therein also acts as a barrier to organism infiltration. It contains antimicrobial composition that has dissolved from the sealing cover 120 surfaces (such as one or more of the elongate member 133, central protrusion 131, and thread seal 148).
In one embodiment, the tip is manufactured to produce anisotropic swelling, such that the diameter increases but the length does not substantially increase. In another embodiment the entire elongate member is made of an anisotropically swelling material such that the diameter increases but the length does not substantially increase.
In one implementation, the material of the tip 334 consists of a swellable polyurethane, such as Lubrizol TG-500, that has been heat fused onto the elongate member 133 which is a non-swellable polyurethane, such as Lubrizol 1065D. These materials provide acceptable swelling, durability, strength and flexibility. The elongate member is coated with antimicrobial composition in an amount sufficient to obtain an adequate antimicrobial effect, yet low enough to remain safe for the patient.
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It is desirable to have the retaining ring 440 not rotate freely on the insert 130. Instead, it is preferred to have the torque be greater than 0 pound-inches (lb-in) but less than 2.0 lb-in. In a more preferred embodiment, the torque is between 0.1 lb-in and 1.25 lb-in. In the most preferred embodiment, the torque is between 0.2 lb-in and 0.5 lb-in. By controlling the diameter of the insert shoulder 136 such that it interferes with ring shoulder 146, the torque can be controlled as shown in the graph depicted in
It is preferred to keep the interference between the ring shoulder 146 and the insert shoulder 136 within the range of 0.002 inch and 0.009 inch in order to keep the rotation torque within an acceptable range.
Antimicrobial Composition
An antimicrobial composition can be incorporated both into the elongate member material and/or on the elongate member surface of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the antimicrobial composition is chlorhexidine acetate; approximately 250 μg of chlorhexidine acetate is coated onto a 17 mm long×1.9 mm diameter rod-shaped elongate member, resulting in a chlorhexidine acetate layer approximately 2 μm thick along. The luer portion is coated with 50 μg of chlorhexidine acetate, resulting in a layer that is approximately 0.4 μm thick. It is also possible to inject an antimicrobial composition into the catheter using a syringe, or to deliver antimicrobial compositions by way of the connector tip cavity (dry dissolvable amount, applicable for Citrate or others requiring large amounts of antimicrobial composition).
The elongate member has the added benefit of displacing fluid from within the catheter as it is inserted, transferring the solution to the outer proximal region of the catheter connector (end face and threads). Antimicrobial composition from the sealing cover dissolves into the displaced fluid, and thereby disinfecting the proximal end of the connector. Furthermore, when the fluid dries, it deposits a coating of chlorhexidine acetate or other appropriate antimicrobial on the connector as described above. As an alternative to using the elongate member, is the chlorhexidine acetate or other antimicrobial composition may be delivered by a coating on a luer tip (such as 250 μg of chlorhexidine acetate in a layer that is approximately 20 μm thick).
An antimicrobial composition is located on the outer surface of the elongate member, the male luer connector, and the retaining ring. The antimicrobial composition elutes from the elongate member after insertion of the elongate member/rod into a catheter. When the system is inserted into the catheter, the antimicrobial composition dissolves into the fluid contained within the catheter, thus coming into contact with infectious organisms that might be present along the connector surfaces and lumen wall of the catheter or in solution. Additionally, the antimicrobial composition and any infectious organisms are confined together in the small space along within the catheter. Another benefit is that the confining action of the clamp traps any infectious microbes within the catheter and prevents them from being transmitted to other areas of the catheter or to the body to prevent a systemic infection.
The antimicrobial compositions should kill and/or provide stasis of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. The agents may also have efficacy at killing organisms within an established biofilm and/or degrading the extracellular matrix of the film. However, this is not necessary for the invention to be beneficial because the invention is designed to kill organisms before they have an opportunity to form a biofilm. The preferred antimicrobial composition is chlorhexidine acetate, also known as chlorhexidine diacetate. Other compounds containing chlorhexidine may be used (such as chlorhexidine free base, chlorhexidine gluconate and chlorhexidine with dyes). Chlorhexidine acetate has an advantage over chlorhexidine gluconate because the risks associated with para chloroaniline may be minimized. Other suitable antimicrobial compositions may also be used. In general, the preferred antimicrobials are soluble in water, they have a history of clinical use with a demonstrated safety profile, they are antibiotic-free, they can be applied onto a medical device, and they can be subsequently dissolved into a composition having an effective concentration to inhibit growth of bacterial and fungal organisms. Suitable materials include chlorhexidine, chlorhexidine salts (such as chlorhexidine acetate or chlorhexidine gluconate), tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (tetrasodium EDTA), sodium citrate (yielding a concentration of 30% or higher), iodine, taurolidine, disodium EDTA, silver compounds (including silver nanoparticles and ions), silver sulfadiazine, and, triclosan.
While one particular drug or antimicrobial composition may provide relief from a wide range of challenging organisms that could potentially lead to catheter-related bloodstream infection, two or more agents may be used to increase efficacy against a broad range of infectious organisms (bacteria and fungi).
In particular, catheter-related infections arise from three broad classes of organisms: fungi, Gram-negative bacteria, and Gram-positive bacteria. If an antimicrobial composition can be identified that would abate one or two of these types of organisms, while this would certainly be beneficial, it would leave the patient vulnerable to the remaining type(s). By pairing agents with different modes of action, infections by an increased spectrum of organisms can be prevented. This synergy would likely lead to further decreases in catheter-related morbidity and mortality, lessening the impact of the implanted catheter on the patient's quality of life. The preferred combinations of antimicrobial compositions are chlorhexidine acetate and EDTA, silver sulfadiazine and sodium dodecyl sulfate, and silver sulfadiazine and methylene blue.
Although treating, preventing, and eliminating infectious organisms for the prevention of infections is the primary use of the sealing cover, ancillary benefits can also be envisioned which would involve incorporating additional agents. An antithrombotic agent eluting from the elongate member can be used to improve the action of the heparin used currently in the lock solution. An enzyme or agent which promoted degradation of the extra-cellular matrix of biofilm (generally composed of polysaccharides) could enable use of the sealing cover for treatment as well as prevention.
In principle, antibiotics (rifampin, minocycline, etc.) can be incorporated into the sealing cover or similar device and be as effective as non-antibiotic antimicrobials. However, continuous exposure to one antibiotic can lead to antibiotic resistant bacteria strains, for example, methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Therefore, the preferred embodiment uses an antimicrobial composition selected from the subset of those which are not antibiotics. If, for some reason, an antibiotic is used, the risk of developing antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria may be mitigated by preparing a second, complimentary, sealing cover containing a different antibiotic. By using the two sealing covers in an alternating fashion with successive dialysis treatments, infectious organisms that are resistant to one antibiotic may be killed by the other.
When the elongate member is inserted into the hub, it creates a constriction within the interior channel of the hub which helps reduce diffusion of the antimicrobial composition and organisms from the hub to the more distal portions of the catheter. Since a large percentage of organisms are believed to enter the catheter at the hub, it is important to kill organisms in this region before they have an opportunity to spread throughout the catheter. The restriction created by the elongate member within the hub is effective at creating a confinement within the hub region. For example, the invention was manufactured using injection molding such that the tapered luer member and the elongate member were rigidly affixed to one another as a single piece of polymer. The diameter of the elongate member was 0.078 inch, and the diameter at the narrowest section of the hub channel was 0.100 inch. In this embodiment, inserting the elongate member into the hub reduced the cross-sectional area of the channel by over 60%, and creates a substantially greater reduction in diffusion.
After injection molding, the tapered member and the elongate member were subsequently coated with 60 μg and 225 μg of chlorhexidine acetate, respectively. The length of the elongate member was 0.700 inches. With the device fully inserted into a catheter, the elongate member extended along the hub's interior channel, and the elongate member ended near the end of the hub. Since the elongate member remained substantially within the hub, the elongate member was readily inserted into the catheter even when the catheter clamp was placed in its most proximal position.
A series of tests were performed using the above described embodiment. In one experiment, catheters were filled with lock solution and the devices were inserted. The catheters and devices were left for 48 hours. After the 48 hours, the devices were removed from the catheters and the amount of chlorhexidine within the hub region and within the remainder of the catheter region as measured for each of the catheters. The results demonstrated that the invention is highly effective at maintaining the chlorhexidine within the hub region. On average, over 80% of the chlorhexidine remained in the hub region after 48 hours; 20% was in the distal region of the catheter. The experiment was repeated at various antimicrobial doses and within heparin and saline lock solutions. A total of 50 devices were tested and similar results were obtained. In another experiment, the above described embodiment was placed into catheters that had been filled with a lock solution containing approximately 200,000 colony forming units per catheter of a difficult to kill microorganism, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. After 48 hours the devices were removed from the catheters. The catheters were then tested for the presence of the microorganism. All microorganisms were killed in all of the catheters, further demonstrating the effectiveness of the invention.
Experiments have been conducted to examine the performance of an example embodiment of the invention, which is called “Pursuit Vascular's ClearGuard HD” or the “ClearGuard HD”. These experiments demonstrate that the ClearGuard HD is effective at substantially reducing organisms within catheters as intended. Two of the experiments are highlighted below.
In an experiment conducted at Pursuit Vascular, coated sealing covers were effective at consistently transferring more than 50 μg of chlorhexidine acetate (also referred to as chlorhexidine diacetate) onto the catheter's threads with a single connection. Such transfer provides the catheter with a means of further reducing infection-causing organisms which is replenished with every use of the invention. 10 μg or more of chlorhexidine is effective at reducing bacteria and other infection-causing organisms at the threads, and further preventing the organisms from infiltrating the catheter's connector end face, luer and lumen. Chlorhexidine acetate has a wide safety profile when used outside the catheter where there is little risk of it entering the bloodstream. A preferred range of chlorhexidine on the sealing cover threads is 100 μg to 2500 μg. 500 μg to 1200 μg is more preferred.
For instance, if using a chlorhexidine based antimicrobial, approximately 50 μg of chlorhexidine acetate can be effective in some embodiments. This was demonstrated in an experiment conducted at Pursuit Vascular in which 50 μg of chlorhexidine was coated on the sealing cover's luer portion. The sealing covers containing the coated luers killed all of the Candida albicans that were seeded within the catheter's luer region. Within the same experiment, the Candida albicans remained viable when uncoated sealing covers were used. Greater than 5 μg chlorhexidine acetate on the luer region is effective; 10 μg to 300 μg is preferred, and 30 μg to 80 μg is most preferred.
Laboratory testing conducted for Pursuit Vascular, Inc. demonstrated that 250 μg of chlorhexidine acetate on the elongate member produces greater than a 10,000× reduction in number of infection-causing organisms when the sealing cover is used in a standard hemodialysis catheters containing saline, heparin-saline, or saline with 4% sodium citrate. The safety profile of the invention can be enhanced by limiting the amount of chlorhexidine acetate available to enter the bloodstream, the preferred maximum amount of chlorhexidine acetate on the elongate member is 2000 μg, more preferred is 1000 μg, and most preferred is 350 μg.
Experiment 1
The objective of this experiment was to assess the antimicrobial effectiveness of Pursuit Vascular's ClearGuard HD device in the most difficult clinically-relevant model. Since the ClearGuard HD is intended to be placed in catheter hubs, but not extend into the extension tubing, the catheter model was chosen to be a female luer connector, extension tube and clamp. The total length of the female luer connector and the extension tubing was manufactured to maximize the length and volume that would be expected to be encountered clinically. Candida albicans (fungus) was chosen as the challenge microorganism, because in previous tests Candida albicans was shown to be the most challenging microorganism for the ClearGuard HD to eradicate. Candida albicans were added to three different lock solutions: heparin-serum, saline-serum, and SDB broth. These solutions represent the most relevant (and challenging) solutions that would be expected clinically. The catheters were filled with the lock solutions and Candida albicans, next the sealing covers (either the ClearGuard HD or a standard sealing cover) were secured, and then the catheters were incubated for approximately 46 hours to simulate the time between dialysis sessions. After incubation, the sealing covers were removed and the lock solution was tested for the presence of organisms.
Experiment 1 results: The organism count is shown in
The antimicrobial effectiveness of the ClearGuard HD was assessed against Candida albicans, the microorganism which has been the most difficult to eradicate when tested in a clinically relevant catheter model containing the most challenging and clinically relevant fluids.
All test samples using the ClearGuard HD had complete kill of the Candida albicans. In comparison, all control samples demonstrated growth of the CA. Since no Candida albicans survived during the ClearGuard HD portion of the test, the actual Candida albicans reduction may be significantly higher (better) than the sensitivity of this test. The minimum reduction of Candida albicans, when using the ClearGuard HD in place of a standard sealing cover, was shown to be:
The objective of this experiment was to assess the relative rate of microorganism contamination in hemodialysis catheter lumens when using the ClearGuard HD versus standard sealing covers in a simulated clinical environment. This experiment was intended to examine the effectiveness of the ClearGuard HD at preventing microorganism contamination of hemodialysis catheter lumens (both proximal and distal to the extension tubing clamp), compared to standard sealing covers in a simulated clinical environment. Growth media was used inside of the catheter instead of the standard lock solution in order to provide an extremely sensitive means of detecting whether any microorganisms entered inside the catheter.
During clinical use, hemodialysis catheter hubs are routinely exposed to microorganisms because the catheter and hub lies against the patient's skin. All commercially available catheter sealing covers are primarily designed to keep fluid inside the catheter lumen but they are not well designed for preventing microorganisms from reaching and colonizing catheter lumens.
In order to compare whether the rate of microorganism colonization is affected by sealing cover type (ClearGuard HD versus standard sealing cover), twenty identical catheters were affixed to clothing, in a manner that would keep the catheters in contact with human skin, which occurs during clinical use. The catheters were kept in contact with the skin for a maximum of 26 days. Once a catheter's lumen was determined to be contaminated, the catheter was allowed to be removed from the study. The test consisted of two arms: 1) the ClearGuard HD arm, and 2) the standard sealing cover arm. Except for the sealing cover type used, the two arms were identical in all other ways (i.e., identical catheters, solutions, handling, etc.).
The study was designed to mimic the hemodialysis clinical practice as closely as practical. The entire volume of lock solution, including the solution distal to the clamp, was included in the microbiological testing to ensure with high probability that if any microorganisms were present anywhere within the catheter that they would be detected. Standard microbiological techniques were used to test for the presence of organisms.
The number of catheters that remained free from microorganism contamination as time progressed is illustrated in
Experiment 3
The objective of this experiment was to confirm whether an adequate amount of antimicrobial composition elutes from the sealing cover into a catheter within an acceptable timeframe. Catheters were each filled with one of three lock solutions: sodium heparin, sodium citrate, and sodium chloride (saline). Sealing covers were then placed on the catheter hubs for the following durations: less than 10 seconds, 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours. Five replicates were tested at each time point and each lock solution. At the end of the time period, the ClearGuard HDs were removed from the catheters, and the chlorhexidine that eluted into each of the catheter was measured.
Within 6 hours of the ClearGuard HD sealing cover being inserted into the catheter, the average elution was over 20 μg in all lock solutions (equating to more than 10% of the antimicrobial present on the elongate member). The amount of antimicrobial composition eluted increased with time, averaging greater than 30 μg (greater than 15% of the antimicrobial present on the elongate member) in all lock solutions at 72 hours.
This test confirmed that the sealing cover is capable of delivering an adequate amount of antimicrobial agent into a catheter within 6 hours of being inserted.
Experiment 4
The objective of this experiment was to confirm whether a sealing cover is capable of delivering more antimicrobial composition into the hub of a catheter than it delivers into the other regions of the catheter. Experiments were performed to quantify the distribution of the chlorhexidine along the length of the catheter resulting from a ClearGuard HD sealing cover being inserted into the catheter. The following test results demonstrated that the sealing cover is capable of preferentially delivering more antimicrobial agent into the hub of the catheter in comparison to the remainder of the catheter, and that this preferential distribution is substantial even after the sealing cover has been in place for 48 hours.
In this experiment, a catheter was filled with heparin saline lock solution and the catheter was clamped 96 millimeters from the proximal end face of the hub. A sealing cover was then inserted into the catheter and allowed to sit for 48 hours, representing the time that the sealing cover would commonly remain in place in a clinical setting. After the 48 hour time period elapsed, the catheter was isolated into regions using hemostats in order to allow the amount of chlorhexidine to be measured in each of the regions. The total amount of chlorhexidine present in each region was measured using HPLC, and was performed using 10 test replicates.
As indicated in
This test was repeated using sodium citrate and saline lock solutions. In all cases, the average amount of chlorhexidine in the hub exceeded 200 μg/mL, and the largest amount of antimicrobial was present in the hub, with less contained in the regions distal to the hub. In all cases, the amount of antimicrobial was substantially greater in the hub due to precipitate adhering to the walls of the catheter and the confining/flow-restricting effect of the elongate member within the hub. When heparin-saline is used as the lock solution, more than 50% of the antimicrobial composition that elutes into the lock solution precipitates onto the interior wall of the catheter.
It is desirable to have a high concentration of antimicrobial composition in the hub region, especially along the walls of the hub, in order to kill the organisms before they have a change to migrate into the distal regions of the catheter. Having no measurable antimicrobial composition distal to the clamp is also advantageous because it substantially reduces the potential for antimicrobial agent entering the patient's bloodstream.
Experiment 5
The objective of this experiment was to demonstrate that certain implementations of the sealing cover of the present invention are capable of depositing an antimicrobial composition onto the internal and external surfaces of a catheter. One of the greatest drawbacks of present day antimicrobial treated catheters is that the antimicrobial wears off quickly over time. In the case of commercially available antimicrobial catheters, within two days of use over 50% of the antimicrobial may be washed away.
In this experiment, catheters which initially contained no antimicrobial composition were used with ClearGuard HD sealing covers in a manner that was intended to simulate hemodialysis use over multiple hemodialysis sessions. Each of the catheters were filled (locked) with saline, were clamped, and new sealing covers were inserted. Each sealing cover remained on the catheter for two to three days, which is standard practice in dialysis. After the two to three day period, the sealing covers were removed and the catheters were aspirated and flushed per clinical protocol. At this point the catheters were either tested to quantify the amount of antimicrobial on the surfaces (which removed them from further simulated dialysis), or they were subjected to another use that included simulated dialysis (saline flowing the catheter at 350 mL/hour), followed by insertion of a new sealing cover for two to three days, until its removal and the catheter being aspirated and flushed. Successive rounds were continued until all of the desired time point data were gathered. Four lots of 3-5 catheters were used: one lot for each time point of 1 use, 3 uses, 5 uses and 9 uses. A new sealing cover was inserted for each catheter use, thus 90 sealing covers were used in total.
The quantity of antimicrobial on the internal and external catheter surfaces was measured at the specific time points, and the results of this experiment are shown in
Experiment 6
The objective of this experiment was to confirm that the sealing cover of certain embodiments of the invention are capable of killing a broad spectrum of microorganisms in a clinically relevant test model. A test was designed to evaluate effectiveness at killing organisms in catheter hubs. The test was designed to simulate a scenario where the hemodialysis hub becomes challenged with microbes at the end of a dialysis session, and a sealing cover is employed to reduce or eliminate the contaminating organisms.
In addition to the test devices, control devices were used to allow for a comparison between the efficacy of the invention (test device) compared to an uncoated sealing cover (control device). Each catheter was inoculated with organisms from one of the multiple organism strains that were tested. After the catheters were inoculated, a sealing cover was inserted into each of the inoculated catheters. Three test replicates were used for each of the organism strains, in both the test and control arms. After two days of incubation (representing the time between dialysis sessions), the sealing covers were removed and microbiologic testing was performed to quantify the number of organisms remaining within each catheter. The results showed that the sealing cover of this invention produced a 4-log (10,000 fold) or greater reduction in the number of organisms in the catheter hub against each of the following organisms:
The organisms in the above list account for approximately 70% of all catheter-associated bloodstream infections, and they include gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, and fungi. Therefore, the sealing cover of this invention is effective at killing a broad range of clinically relevant organisms within a catheter.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described as referenced to the embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that the foregoing and other changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
This application is a continuation of U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 14/793,492, filed Jul. 7, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 14/720,378, filed May 22, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,352,142, issued on May 31, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 13/915,605, filed Jun. 11, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,078,992, issued on Jul. 14, 2015, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 13/834,755 filed Mar. 15, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,622,996, issued on Jan. 7, 2014; which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 13/752,385, filed Jan. 28, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,622,995, issued on Jan. 7, 2014; which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/752,959, filed Jan. 15, 2013. This application is also a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 13/547,572, filed Jul. 12, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,849,276, issued on Dec. 26, 2017, which claims the benefit of 61/506,979, filed Jul. 12, 2011, and this application also is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 12/605,966, filed Oct. 26, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,868, issued on Jul. 7, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/108,716, filed on Oct. 27, 2008, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14793492 | Jul 2015 | US |
| Child | 16227651 | US | |
| Parent | 14720378 | May 2015 | US |
| Child | 14793492 | US | |
| Parent | 13915605 | Jun 2013 | US |
| Child | 14720378 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 13834755 | Mar 2013 | US |
| Child | 13915605 | US | |
| Parent | 13752385 | Jan 2013 | US |
| Child | 13834755 | US | |
| Parent | 13547572 | Jul 2012 | US |
| Child | 14720378 | US | |
| Parent | 12605966 | Oct 2009 | US |
| Child | 13547572 | US |
