| 摘要 |
<p>Techniques for effectively sterilizing catheters, particularly long-dwelling intravenous catheters, are disclosed. The techniques include the transmission and dispersion of ultraviolet or infrared radiation, the heating or cooling of a catheter distal end portion, and the transmission of electrical current along the catheter and through the catheter lumen or organic tissues in which the catheter resides. Optical fibers (14), coupled to source (18) by connectors (16) transmit electromagnetic radiation along the catheter (12).</p> |
