Capping and cleansing devices for needlefree vascular access connectors

Abstract

Capping and cleansing devices for capping and cleansing needlefree connectors, particularly luer access devices such as needlefree vascular access connectors, and methods for using said devices, are described. The devices of the invention each include interconnected inner and outer housings that a user can transition between a locked or engaged position to allow the inner and outer housings to rotate in unison and an unlocked or disengaged position that allows the outer housing to rotate independently of the inner housing, and a compressible cleansing matrix secured in the device (preferably in a well in the outer housing).

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A capping and cleansing device for a threaded valve portion of a needlefree vascular access connector, comprising:
 (a) an inner housing rotatably disposed in an outer housing, wherein the inner housing comprises a sidewall that bounds a central bore into which the threaded valve portion of the needlefree vascular access connector can be threaded opposite a compressible cleansing matrix attached to the outer housing that protrudes into the central bore and can contact a surface of the threaded valve portion of the needlefree vascular access connector when the capping and cleansing device is threaded onto the threaded valve portion of the needlefree vascular access connector;   (b) the outer housing, wherein the outer housing comprises a cavity in which the inner housing is rotatably disposed, wherein the outer housing is configured to engage and disengage from the inner housing so as to allow the outer housing to retain the inner housing and (i) be rotated independently of the inner housing at least 360 degrees in both a clockwise direction and a counter-clockwise direction by a user when the outer housing is not engaging the inner housing and (ii) be rotated in unison with the inner housing by the user when the outer housing and the inner housing are engaged;   (c) the compressible cleansing matrix attached to the outer housing and protruding into the cavity of the outer housing and into the central bore of the inner housing, wherein the compressible cleansing matrix rotates with the outer housing; and   (d) a liquid disinfectant disposed in the compressible cleansing matrix.   
     
     
         2 . The capping and cleansing device according to  claim 1  that further comprises a removable lid to seal the cavity of the outer housing from an external environment. 
     
     
         3 . The capping and cleansing device according to  claim 2  that has been sterilized. 
     
     
         4 . The capping and cleansing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the liquid disinfectant comprises isopropyl alcohol. 
     
     
         5 . The capping and cleansing device according to  claim 4 , wherein the liquid disinfectant comprises a solution of about 70% isopropyl alcohol and water. 
     
     
         6 . The capping and cleansing device according to  claim 5 , wherein the liquid disinfectant further comprises chlorhexidine, optionally chlorhexidine gluconate. 
     
     
         7 . The capping and cleansing device according to  claim 1  that further comprises a seal between the inner housing and the outer housing. 
     
     
         8 . The capping and cleansing device according to  claim 7 , wherein the seal is formed between a seal element disposed on an interior surface of the outer housing and a sealing surface on an upper exterior portion of the sidewall of the inner housing. 
     
     
         9 . The capping and cleansing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the outer housing further comprises an outer surface having a plurality of vertical ridges. 
     
     
         10 . The capping and cleansing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the compressible cleansing matrix is configured to contact at least a valve surface of the threaded valve portion of the needlefree vascular access connector when the capping and cleansing device is threaded onto the threaded valve portion of the needlefree vascular access connector. 
     
     
         11 . The capping and cleansing device according to  claim 10 , wherein the compressible cleansing matrix is configured to also contact an additional surface of the threaded valve portion of the needlefree vascular access connector when the capping and cleansing device is threaded onto the threaded valve portion of the needlefree vascular access connector. 
     
     
         12 . The capping and cleansing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the outer housing comprises an outer wall connected to a top wall to form the cavity, which cavity is accessible through an opening opposite the top wall, wherein the outer wall of the outer housing is resilient and configured to deform upon application by a user of manual force sufficient to cause a portion of an inner surface of the outer wall to engage an outer surface of the inner housing during application of the manual force by the user in order to rotate the inner housing and outer housing in unison in order to secure or remove the capping and cleansing device to or from the threaded valve portion of a needlefree vascular access connector. 
     
     
         13 . The capping and cleansing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the outer housing comprises at least one inner housing retaining structure disposed on an inner surface of the outer wall of the outer housing that is configured to (i) engage a complementary retention element on an outer surface of the inner housing and (ii) allow the inner housing to retained in the cavity such that the outer housing can be rotated in relation to the inner housing at least 360 degrees in both a clockwise direction and a counter-clockwise direction when the outer housing is disengaged from the inner housing while the capping and cleansing device is secured to the threaded valve portion of a needlefree vascular access connector. 
     
     
         14 . The capping and cleansing device according to  claim 1 , wherein an inner surface of the top wall of the outer housing defines a concentric matrix well adapted to receive and securely retain the compressible cleansing matrix and to translate rotational motion from the outer housing to the compressible cleansing matrix when the capping and cleansing device is threaded on to the threaded valve portion of a needlefree vascular access connector. 
     
     
         15 . An assembly that comprises a single piece of lidding on to which a plurality of capping and cleansing devices according to  claim 1  are sealed prior to or after sterilization. 
     
     
         16 . An assembly that comprises a capping and cleansing device according to  claim 1  threaded on to a threaded valve portion of a needlefree vascular access connector. 
     
     
         17 . A method of cleansing a needlefree vascular access connector, comprising:
 (a) securing a capping and cleansing device according to  claim 1  to a threaded valve portion of the needlefree vascular access connector; and   (b) without engaging the outer housing and inner housing, rotating the outer housing in relation to the inner housing, thereby cleansing one or more surfaces of the threaded valve portion of the needlefree vascular access connector.   
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17  that further comprises removing the capping and cleansing device from the threaded valve portion of the needlefree vascular access connector immediately after cleansing the one or more surfaces of the threaded valve portion of the needlefree vascular access connector. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 17  that further comprises leaving the capping and cleansing device connected to the threaded valve portion of the needlefree vascular access connector. 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 19  that further comprises leaving the capping and cleansing device connected to the threaded valve portion of the needlefree vascular access connector for up to 7 days.