![]() Ideal methods and apparatuses would be effective at sterilizing catheter components-or otherwise reducing levels of bacteria and other microorganisms (collectively referenced as infective agents) to prevent CAUTIs-while at the same time protecting bodily tissues and other objects against exposure to potentially-harmful forms of radiation. A clear link exists between chronic exposure to UV light and skin cancer resulting from UV-induced damage to DNA.Īpplicants recognize that a need exists to discover methods and apparatuses for reducing the threat of catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) during use of indwelling drainage catheters. However, all forms of UV light can also produce DNA damage in mammalian cells and are potentially harmful to the tissues being penetrated by the catheter. 5,695,482) describes catheter tubes capable of in situ UV sterilization in which linear fiber optics embedded in walls of a catheter tube allow multi-directional UV radiation of both the catheter interior and the surrounding tissue.Ĭommon forms of UV radiation known to destroy harmful microorganisms include UVA (315 to 400 nm), UVB (280 to 315 nm) and UVC (100 to 280 nm) radiation. Such a device does not penetrate far into the subject's body, and is intended to irradiate an instrument, such as a needle or catheter, as the instrument passes through the device. (WO 2010/132429), for example, describes an elongated catheter insertion device that includes an integrated UV sterilization assembly providing both inward-directed (toward the interior of the device) and outward-directed (toward the exterior of the device into surrounding tissue) UV irradiation. Susceptibility to UV irradiation occurs when dimers (uracil and cytosine in ribonucleic acid, RNA, and thymine and cytosine in deoxyribonucleic acid, DNA) are formed.īased upon this finding, some catheter devices have been designed to allow in situ sterilization of catheter elements and surrounding tissues by transmitting UV radiation through indwelling elements. Application of UV radiation is known to sever carbon-carbon double bonds in genetically-relevant organic moieties (e.g., pyrimidines, purines and flavanoids). Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation has long been recognized for its potential to destroy viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other harmful microorganisms. The deficiencies associated with these and other common interventions are especially troubling in light of the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant organisms such as multi-drug resistant (MDR) organisms which are becoming more prevalent. Common interventions such as silver alloy coatings, antimicrobial catheter coatings, hydrophilic catheters, ureteral stents, use of sealed catheter-tube junctions, and anti-infective bladder irrigation have yielded inconsistent results in reducing the incidence of CAUTI. Various approaches have been employed to reduce urinary tract infections associated with the use of indwelling urinary catheters. Bacteria colonization is often accompanied by the formation of a biofilm that is known to sustain bacterial growth and to also increase the likelihood of infection. It is observed that over 70% of urinary catheters become colonized with bacteria over a relatively short period of time. Catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are a common problem for those with indwelling urinary catheters.
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