Photocatalytic disinfection of implanted catheters

US9259513B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• SRI International · US

Inventors

• William Bedwell · Palo Alto, US
• Lorenza Moro · Redwood City, US
• Eric A. Arons · San Francisco, US
• Pablo Garcia · Redwood City, US
• Osita Onugha · Santa Clara, US
• Sanjeev Dutta · Los Altos, US
• Sarah Young · Menlo Park, US
• Karen F. Shakespear · Menlo Park, US
• Janus A. J. Haagensen · Menlo Park, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 20, 2012
• Grant date: Feb 16, 2016
• Expiry date: Aug 2, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M2025/0056
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An implantable catheter is provided that may be disinfected without removal from the body of a patient, using a photocatalytic method to activate a reaction on the catheter surface that generates oxidizing agents in the form of Reactive Oxygen Species (“ROS”) and thus destroy microorganisms in a biofilm that is present or forming. A catheter system includes the implantable catheter, a light source, and a source of power operably connected to the light source. Methods are also provided for disinfecting the implantable catheter in vivo.