# US 11,439,718 B2 · IV pole isolation and cleaning devices and methods > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,439,718 B2 - Document ID: US11439718B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 16/743,928 - Filed: 2020-01-15 - Published: 2020-07-23 - Granted: 2022-09-13 - Earliest claimed: 2019-01-18 - Assignees: Merit Medical Systems, Inc. - Applicants: Merit Medical Systems, Inc. - Inventors: Kirk Loren Foote; Mahender Avula; Jim Mottola; Richard P. Jenkins - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11439718B2 ## CPC - A61L 2/10: Ultraviolet [UV] radiation - A61L 2/088: using photocatalysts or photosensitisers - A61L 2/24: Apparatus using programmed or automatic operation - A61L 2/26: Accessories - A61M 5/1415: {Stands, brackets or the like for supporting infusion accessories} - A61B 90/70: Cleaning devices specially adapted for surgical instruments - A61L 2103/15: Laboratory, medical or dentistry appliances, e.g. catheters or sharps - A61L 2202/11: Apparatus for generating biocidal substances, e.g. vaporisers, UV lamps - A61L 2202/14: Means for controlling sterilisation processes, data processing, presentation and storage means, e.g. sensors, controllers, programs - A61L 2202/16: Mobile applications, e.g. portable devices, trailers, devices mounted on vehicles - A61L: METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES (preservation of bodies or disinfecting characterised by the agents employed A01N; preserving, e.g. sterilising, food or foodstuffs A23; preparations for medical, dental or toiletry purposes A61K) - A61M: DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY (introducing media into or onto the bodies of animals A61D7/00; means for inserting tampons A61F13/26; devices for administering food or medicines orally A61J; containers for collecting, storing or administering blood or medical fluids A61J1/05); DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY (surgery A61B; chemical aspects of surgical articles A61L); DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR {(Electrotherapy, e.g. producing anaesthesia by the use of alternating or intermittent currents A61N1/36021)} - A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D) ## Abstract Devices and methods to disinfect a medical appliance, such as an IV pole, using ultraviolet light, including ultraviolet C (UVC) light, are disclosed. The devices and methods expose contaminated exterior surfaces of the IV pole to UVC light. The UVC light may be emitted from within the IV pole or may be emitted from a source surrounding the IV pole. A controller controls the duration and intensity of the exposure. A proximity sensor detects the proximity of a healthcare worker or patient. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A disinfecting device for an elongate medical appliance, the disinfecting device comprising: an ultraviolet C (UVC) light transmitting member configured to irradiate an outer surface of the elongate medical appliance with UVC light; and a handle comprising: a first clamp; a second clamp; and a grip, wherein the UVC light transmitting member is configured to be coupled to the elongate medical appliance. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The disinfecting device of claim 1, further comprising: a power supply; a UVC light emitting member coupled to the UVC light transmitting member; and a proximity sensor. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The disinfecting device of claim 1, wherein the grip comprises a hollow cylinder formed from UVC light transparent material, wherein the UVC light transmitting member is disposed within the grip. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The disinfecting device of claim 1, wherein the UVC light emitting member is disposed adjacent an end of the grip. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The disinfecting device of claim 4, wherein a diameter of a first end of the grip adjacent the UVC light transmitting member is smaller than a diameter of a second end of the grip. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The disinfecting device of claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the grip is frosted with photobiocidal nanoparticles. ### Claim 7 A system to disinfect an elongate medical appliance, the system comprising: an elongate medical appliance that comprises a hollow cylinder formed from a UVC light transparent material; an ultraviolet C (UVC) light transmitting member coupled to the elongate medical appliance; a power supply; a UVC light emitting member coupled to the UVC light transmitting member; and a proximity sensor configured to terminate emission of the UVC light when a healthcare worker and/or patient is adjacent the elongate medical appliance, wherein the UVC light transmitting member is disposed within the elongate medical appliance. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The system of claim 7, wherein the elongate medical appliance further comprises an IV pole. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) The system of claim 7, wherein the UVC light transparent material is quartz glass. ### Claim 10 (depends on 7) The system of claim 7, wherein the elongate medical appliance further comprises a frosting of photobiocidal nanoparticles on an outer surface of the elongate member. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The system of claim 10, wherein the photobiocidal nanoparticles comprise titanium dioxide. ### Claim 12 (depends on 7) The system of claim 7, wherein the UVC light emitting member is coupled to the UVC light transmitting member. ### Claim 13 A disinfecting device for an elongate medical appliance, the disinfecting device comprising: a handheld member with a handle; an ultraviolet C (UVC) dispensing member coupled to the handheld member, the ultraviolet C (UVC) dispensing member comprising a C-shape and an opening disposed away from the handheld member; a plurality of ports disposed on an inner surface of the ultraviolet C (UVC) dispensing member; and a UVC light emitting member disposed within the handle and coupled to the ultraviolet C (UVC) dispensing member; wherein the ultraviolet C (UVC) dispensing member is configured to be coupled to the elongate medical appliance through the opening and at least partially surround the elongate medical appliance is movable along a longitudinal axis of the elongate medical appliance, and wherein an outer surface of the elongate medical appliance is exposed to UVC light from the UVC light emitting member through the plurality of ports.