Certain aspects are directed to a housing and cap to provide protection of medical devices having one or more percutaneous connection (e.g., a three-way stopcock or catheter port).

This invention concerns improved single use caps or covers for vascular access devices such as needlefree connectors that are used, for example, in intravenous administration sets and extension sets. Removal of a single use cap or cover according to the invention from a vascular access device destroys the cap such that it cannot be reused. Such single use caps and covers will help ensure compliance with infection prevention protocols in healthcare settings, which will assist in reducing the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), particularly catheter-related blood stream infections. Assemblies and kits its including such caps and covers, for example, IV administration and extension sets that include one or more needlefree connectors, as well as methods for using such caps and covers, are also described.

A self-cleaning needleless connector may include a connector body defining a fluid passageway including an inlet and an outlet, a cover disposed over at least the inlet of the connector body, an access point disposed at an inlet end of the cover, where in a first position the inlet is within the cover and in an second position the inlet is extended beyond the cover and configured to receive a male luer, a reservoir containing a cleaning agent, and an abrasive surface located in the cover that is in fluid communication with the cleaning agent, where the abrasive surface and the cleaning agent are configured to contact an exterior surface of the inlet to create friction.

Embodiments described herein relate to encasements for protection of central lines, arterial lines, and/or intravenous (IV) lines from contaminants, and methods of making and using the same. In some embodiments, an encasement device can include a flexible sleeve that fits over a central line and protects the central line from contaminants. The flexible sleeve has a first open end and a second open end. A first closing element secures the first open end to a medical dressing and a second closing element secures the second open end in a closed position at a location distal to the first closing element. In some embodiments, the central line can include an intravenous (IV) catheter, a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) and/or a hemodialysis line. In some embodiments, the device can include a flap coupled to the flexible sleeve.

Presented herein is a catheter protection device having a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the first housing portion and the second housing portion defining a hollow interior therebetween. A latching mechanism is configured to releasably secure the second housing portion to the first housing portion. A first port is defined in the (i) first housing portion, (ii) the second housing portion, or (iii) both the first housing portion and the second housing portion, the first port having a first gasket disposed at the first port. A second port is defined in the (i) first housing portion, (ii) the second housing portion, or (iii) both the first housing portion and the second housing portion, the second port having a second gasket disposed at the second port. An absorbent material is disposed in the hollow interior and includes a concentration of an antimicrobial substance.

A single use cap for connectors and corresponding method of use. The single use cap has a carrier with a body including a base that defines an opening separated from an end wall by a side wall. The opening leads into a cavity sized to receive a connector head. The single use cap also has an elastomeric sleeve releasably coupled to the carrier to span the opening. The elastomeric sleeve is configured to be transferred to the connector upon insertion of the head through the opening and at least partially into the cavity.

An aseptic coupling arrangement can include a first coupling device and a second aseptic coupling device. In one embodiment, the first and second coupling devices are substantially similar, each having a main body defining a front face and a fluid passageway therethrough. A first connecting feature disposed on the main body of each coupling device may be provided for aligning and coupling the aseptic devices together. Each coupling device may also include a sealing member received in the main body and a membrane removably coupled to the main body front face to cover the sealing member. The first aseptic coupling device may also include a rotatable protective cover that is removably attached to the main body and connected to the membrane. In one embodiment, the removal of the protective covers away from two coupled main bodies, in a direction parallel to the front faces, causes removal of the membranes.

An aseptic coupling device includes: a main body defining a front face; a membrane coupled to the front face, the membrane including a first portion coupled to the front face and a second portion folded over on the first portion; and a low friction member positioned between the first and second portions of the membrane.

The invention relates to a unit (1) for an apparatus (2) for connecting and disconnecting a tubular fitting (24) to a connector (14), comprising a body (16) having:—a first receptacle (18) and a second receptacle (20), wherein each of said receptacles is configured for holding an end cap (22) of the tubular fitting (24), and—a connector holder (26) configured for accommodating insertion of the connector (14); wherein the unit (1) comprises a capsule (290) that is configured to be connected to said body (16) in a releasable fashion, wherein said capsule (290) comprises said second receptacle (20).

Some fluid coupling devices described herein are configured for use in fluid systems for purposes of providing a sterile connection for drug delivery. In some embodiments, the fluid coupling devices can be implemented as multi-use, sterile fluid coupling devices that are configured to reduce the likelihood of fluid spillage when being disconnected.