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VANCOUVER - Fraser Health Authority in British Columbia has implemented Steriwave nasal photodisinfection technology at Ridge Meadows Hospital and Chilliwack General Hospital for pre-surgical decolonization in orthopedic patients, according to a press release issued Tuesday.
With these additions, Steriwave is now used in half of Fraser Health’s hospitals that perform major surgeries. Fraser Health serves over one-third of British Columbia’s population as the largest of the province’s five regional health authorities.
The Steriwave system, developed by Ondine Biomedical Inc. (AIM:OBI), uses a photosensitive agent applied to the nostrils followed by illumination with a specific wavelength of red light to destroy nasal pathogens. The procedure takes approximately five minutes to complete.
Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a significant healthcare challenge, with studies showing they can extend hospital stays by nearly 10 days. According to data cited in the company’s statement, approximately 69% of SSIs are caused by pathogens colonizing patients’ nasal passages.
Unlike traditional antibiotic approaches such as mupirocin, which require multi-day patient adherence and face increasing antimicrobial resistance issues, the Steriwave technology provides immediate pathogen reduction without generating resistance, according to the company.
The adoption comes amid recommendations from health authorities including the CDC, WHO, and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America that support nasal decolonization before major surgeries to reduce infection risk.
Ondine Biomedical claims the technology has demonstrated more than 50% reduction in SSI rates in previous implementations.
An Alberta study referenced in the announcement found that complex SSIs following hip and knee surgeries can cost hospitals up to CA$95,000 per case.
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