SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR STERILIZATION USING UV LIGHT

摘要

Embodiments of this disclosure include systems and methods for sterilizing in vivo catheters using an optical fiber to deliver UV light. In an embodiment, an apparatus for sterilizing a catheter (1) with at least one lumen (4) includes a fiber optic cable (10), a catheter connector (70), and a stopper (20) affixed to the fiber optic cable (10). The catheter connector (70) includes a fiber insertion port (71) configured to receive the fiber optic cable (10), and a hub adapter (72) configured to connect with a hub (5) of the lumen of the catheter at a proximal end (2) of the lumen (4). The stopper (20) cannot pass through the fiber insertion port (71), and it is positioned along the fiber optic cable (1) such that when the fiber optic cable (10) is fully inserted into the fiber insertion port (71), a distal end (12) of the fiber optic cable (10) is positioned near a distal end (3) of the lumen (4). The disclosure is also applicable to catheters with multiple lumens and to catheters accessed through subcutaneous ports.