Mechanical evaluation of delivery systems for non-antibiotic antimicrobial solutions

难以治疗的细菌，特别是耐抗生素细菌，以及相关的感染给加拿大的医疗保健系统带来了巨大的负担。灭菌护理公司生产一种抗生素的抗菌替代品，对耐抗生素细菌有效。他们的产品KiteLock溶液已被加拿大卫生部批准用于降低导管内细菌生长的风险。使用KiteLock时，使用者（护士和患者）手动拧开小瓶（储存KiteLock的小瓶）的末端，将溶液从小瓶中取出到一次性注射器中，然后将溶液引入导管。目前，由于树脂的刚性以及小瓶的设计，小瓶很难打开。这导致用户难以打开瓶子，导致破裂远离预期的断开点，导致产品浪费，降低市场吸引力和可信度。这项NSERC参与资助的总体目标是帮助SterileCare解决与其kitelock输送系统相关的生产问题，并调查其他潜在输送系统（特别是现有的注射器和导管）的功能和兼容性。为了实现这一目标，主要目标是：(1)开发当前小瓶设计的计算有限元模型，以确定适当的尖端扭转的替代设计；(2)与灭菌护理和制剂合同制造商沟通，以生产和评估替代设计；(3)暴露于KiteLock溶液时，对标准注射器和导管进行机械测试。这项研究的结果将减轻终端用户对KiteLock的失望，这将导致更多的医院采用该产品。这将导致减少抗生素的使用和减少抗生素耐药性，这是影响加拿大人的两个主要健康问题。同时，这项研究将为替代输送系统提供方向。此外，参与这项研究的学员将与行业互动，并获得医疗器械设计方面的培训。

Hard to treat bacteria, particularly antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and associated infections impose a great burdenon the Canadian healthcare system. SterileCare Inc. produces an antibacterial alternative to antibiotics which iseffective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Their product, KiteLock solution, is approved Health Canada todecrease the risk of bacterial growth within catheters. To use KiteLock, users (nurses and patients) manuallytwist-off the end of a vial (which KiteLock is stored in), withdraw the solution from the vial into a disposablesyringe, and then introduce the solution into the catheter. Currently, the vial is difficult to open due to therigidity of the resin as well as the vial design. This is causing users to struggle with opening of the vial, causingfracture away from the intended break-off point, resulting in product waste and reduced market traction andcredibility.The overall goal of this NSERC Engage Grant is to aid SterileCare with production issues related to theirKiteLock delivery system as well as investigate functionality and compatibility of other potential deliverysystems (specifically existing syringes and catheters). To accomplish this goal, the main objectives are to: (1)develop computational finite element models of the current vial design to identify alternate designs forappropriate tip twist-off; (2) communicate with SterileCare and the contract manufacturer of the vials toproduce and evaluate alternate designs; and (3) conduct mechanical testing of standard syringes and catheterswhen exposed to KiteLock solution.The outcomes of this research will mitigate end-user frustration found with KiteLock, which will lead tomore hospitals adopting the product. This will lead to reduced antibiotic use and a reduction of antibioticresistance, two major health issues affecting Canadians. As well, this research will provide direction foralternate delivery systems. Further, trainees involved in this research will interact with industry and obtaintraining in medical device design.