Patent attributes
Embodiments of this disclosure include systems, methods, and kits for sterilizing in vivo catheters using an optical fiber to deliver UV light. In an embodiment, a method for sterilizing a catheter with at least a first lumen, includes inserting a distal end of a fiber optic cable into a fiber insertion port of a catheter connector attached to a hub of the first lumen, flushing the first lumen with fluid from a fluid source, inserting the fiber optic cable into the first lumen until a stopper of the fiber optic cable is adjacent to the fiber insertion port, providing light to the fiber optic cable from a light source after the fiber optic cable is inserted into the first lumen, withdrawing the fiber optic cable from the first lumen while the light is provided, and ceasing to provide light to the fiber optic cable after the fiber optic cable is withdrawn from the first lumen. The disclosure is also applicable to catheters with multiple lumens and to catheters accessed through subcutaneous ports.
