A stabilizing connector includes a connector portion and a stabilization portion. The connector portion is configured to couple to an access device. The connector portion defines at least one lumen that is configured to be placed in fluid communication with a lumen of the access device. The stabilization portion is coupled to the connector portion. The stabilization portion is configured to be placed in contact with a surface of a patient's skin to stabilize at least one of the stabilizing connector or the access device.

A method of preventing infections in vascular access devices in which an acoustic wave generator is attached to the vascular access catheter, and the acoustic wave generator is activated to produce acoustic waves, which are transmitted to the vascular access catheter to create mechanical vibrations in the vascular access catheter. The acoustic waves may be ultrasound waves. The acoustic wave generator may be attached to a catheter tube of the vascular access catheter or attached to a hub of the vascular access catheter. The acoustic wave generator a separate device that is removably clipped to the vascular access catheter, may be provided in a vascular access catheter stabilization device or may be integral with the vascular access catheter.

A valve assembly (1, 12, 21, 31, 44, 52, 60) includes a hollow tube (2). The valve assembly (1, 12, 21, 31, 44, 52, 60) also includes a first set of one or more valves (3) 5 arranged within the hollow tube (2). The first set of valves (3) is configured to permit sliding passage of a substantially cylindrical object (4). The valve assembly (1, 12, 21, 31, 44, 52, 60) also includes a second set of valves (5) arranged within the hollow tube (2) and spaced apart from the first set of valves to (3) define a chamber. The second set of valves (5) are configured to permit sliding passage of the cylindrical object (4). The 10 valve assembly (1, 12, 21, 31, 44, 52, 60) also includes one or more ultraviolet light sources (10) within the chamber (6) and/or a first port (13) connecting the chamber (6) to the exterior of the hollow tube (2) and configured for connection to a fluid flow path (14) for supply and/or extraction of fluid (19).

Apparatus for delivering therapeutic agents to the central nervous system of a subject is described. The apparatus includes at least one intracranial catheter and a percutaneous access device. The percutaneous access device includes a body having at least one extracorporeal surface and at least one subcutaneous surface, the body defining at least one port for connection to an implanted intracranial catheter. The port is accessible from the extracorporeal surface of the device, but is provided with a seal such as a rubber bung between the lumen of the port and the extracorporeal surface. The percutaneous access device may have more than two ports and/or a flange. A method of implanting the percutaneous access device is also described.

The disclosure relates to a subcutaneously implanted port device for establishing access to the vascular system of a patient requiring multiple blood treatments over an extended period of time. The systems, devices and methods disclosed herein may reduce miscannulation, promote intra-session hemostasis, and decrease the incidence of bacteremia and sepsis among other improvements and advantages. The devices include a port with a tapered seat for receiving an access tube, the first tapered seat having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a conical section extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion; and an interface surface configured to engage a blood vessel or a vascular access catheter. The proximal portion of the tapered seat is configured to receive the access tube therethrough, and the tapered seat creates a mismatch fit with a diameter of the access tube when in use for an increase in flow during treatment.

Invasive medical devices including a substantially non-eluting antimicrobial treatment are disclosed. One or more external and/or internal surfaces of the medical device include a substantially non-eluting copper-coated surface that assists in preventing microbial colonization of the coated surface. This in turn reduces the incidence of infection to the patient originating from the medical device. In one embodiment, a catheter assembly is disclosed and comprises an elongate catheter tube that defines at least one lumen, at least one extension leg including a luer connector, and a bifurcation hub including at least one fluid passageway that provides fluid communication between the extension leg and the lumen. A substantially non-eluting copper coating is disposed on a surface of at least one of the lumen, the extension leg, the luer connector, and the fluid passageway. The coating is applied via an electroless deposition process. A water-shed coating is disposed on the copper coating.

Systems and methods of disinfection of catheter connections are provided. A transfer catheter connector can include a UV-transparent window at its distal end and a seal proximal to the window. A solution set connector can be inserted inside a portion of the transfer catheter connector to connect a solution set and transfer catheter. The solution set connector comprises a lumen covered by a leading membrane surface; and a sealing surface configured to sealingly engage the window surface. The connectors can be connected in a disinfection position configuration in which flow is not permitted between the catheters and the connectors are irradiated with UV light. After disinfection, the connectors are advanced to a flow position in which the piercing member pierces the membrane surface, enabling flow between the catheters. The system comprises clips that prevent advancement to the flow position without interference by the disinfection unit or by a user.

Invasive medical devices including a substantially non-eluting antimicrobial treatment are disclosed. One or more external and/or internal surfaces of the medical device include a substantially non-eluting copper-coated surface that assists in preventing microbial colonization of the coated surface. This in turn reduces the incidence of infection to the patient originating from the medical device. In one embodiment, a catheter assembly is disclosed and comprises an elongate catheter tube that defines at least one lumen, at least one extension leg including a luer connector, and a bifurcation hub including at least one fluid passageway that provides fluid communication between the extension leg and the lumen. A substantially non-eluting copper coating is disposed on a surface of at least one of the lumen, the extension leg, the luer connector, and the fluid passageway. The coating is applied via an electroless deposition process. A water-shed coating is disposed on the copper coating.

An antimicrobial light dressing device, system and method for a percutaneous treatment that bathes a treatment region around the percutaneous insertion with an antibacterial illumination source for preventing pathogens around the insertion from entering via the dermal puncture created by the insertion. The antimicrobial light dressing device combines a circumferential body centered around the insertion, and an arrangement of LEDs around the body that focus the light around the insertion and onto a therapeutic region of the insertion. An opening in the circumferential body has an articulated protrusion for offsetting a medicinal vessel such as an IV tube off the skin surface to avoid blocking light to an area under the vessel.

A device for feeding a line through the skin of a patient, wherein the line contains a photodynamic substance that releases highly reactive oxygen derivatives when irradiated. Thus, disinfection/sterilization can be achieved in the region of a feed-through both on the outside of the skin and in the feed-through region by irradiating the feed-through.