Patent ID: 8622996

Claim:
A method of delivering an antimicrobial composition to the proximal end of a transdermal catheter, the method comprising: a) providing a transdermal catheter implanted within a patient, the transdermal catheter having a proximal end located outside of the patient and a distal end located at least partially within a blood vessel of the patient, the catheter comprising: i) a hub located at the proximal end of the catheter, ii) exterior threads on the proximal end of the hub, and iii) an interior channel in the hub leading from an opening at the proximal end of the catheter to a lumen in the catheter, wherein at least a portion of the interior channel has a tapered interior surface; b) providing an antimicrobial composition delivery device for insertion into the proximal opening of the catheter, the antimicrobial composition delivery device comprising: i) a retaining ring comprising threads configured to engage the exterior threads on the catheter hub; ii) a soluble non-liquid antimicrobial composition located on the threads of the retaining ring; and iii) a tapered member configured for insertion into the catheter hub, the tapered member configured to substantially seal the proximal end of the catheter; c) injecting a liquid lock solution into the transdermal catheter such that at least the proximal end of the transdermal catheter is substantially filled with the lock solution; d) applying a clamp across the proximal end of the catheter, the clamp substantially preventing the flow of fluids across the clamped portion of the catheter; and after applying the clamp, insertion of the tapered member of the antimicrobial delivery device into the hub located at the proximal end of the catheter so as to displace liquid lock solution from the interior of the catheter hub to the exterior of the catheter hub such that at least a portion of the antimicrobial composition on the threads of the retaining ring is transferred to the threads of the hub.