MS. SHARON B. SHAW, MSW
Social Work at End Ave, New York, NY

2005008, Apr 21, 2005

Sep 17, 2004

10/943724

Sharon Shaw - New York NY, US
Pierre Alfred - Amherst MA, US

A61M031/00

604506000, 424426000

Devices, kits and methods for reducing the risk of infection at an injection or incision site are described herein. The device contains a bioadhesive, biocompatible and bioerodable material and one or more disinfectant agents. In the preferred embodiment, the material is formed of one ore more hydrogels Optionally, the device also contains one or more anesthetics to decrease discomfort. The device may be marked or calibrated to facilitate localized injection or incision at a pre-specified site on the skin or mucus membrane. After identifying or selecting the injection or incision site, the device is placed on the site for a time sufficient to achieve localized disinfection, and optionally localized anesthesia. Then the needle or surgical instrument is inserted through the composition into the site. Thereafter, the drug is administered, fluid is removed, in the case of an injection, or the surgical instrument is placed at the site, in the case of an incision. Then the needle or surgical instrument is removed from the site, and the device forms a continuous seal over the site. The disinfectant and/or anesthetic is delivered before, during, and/or after the treatment. Optionally, the disinfectant and/or anesthetic is released in a controlled-release manner. Optionally, the disinfectant and/or anesthetic may de delivered following a time-delay. In a second embodiment, the device may be placed at a site following the injection or incision at the site to reduce the risk of infection, provide anesthesia, and/or prevent reflux of blood or fluid following the injection or incision.