Method, apparatus and system for treating biofilms associated with catheters
US7393501B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 28, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jul 1, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 19, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB08B9/00
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus, system and method for preventing or treating biofilm associated with catheters. A piezo-ceramic element may be attached to a catheter, and a vibration processor may be connected to the piezo-ceramic element. The vibration processor may provide electric signals that generate acoustic vibrations in the piezo-ceramic element, causing vibrations in or around the catheter. These vibrations may be particularly administered to disperse microbe colonies, thereby preventing or inhibiting formation of biofilm that may lead to infections. Vibrations may be amplified significantly due to resonance conditions in the catheter balloon, which may be powerful enough to be used to disperse microbe colonies that have grouped around the catheter or are attempting to do so.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.