Ondine Biomedical Inc (AIM:OBI), the life sciences company, is set to evaluate the performance of its Steriwave nasal photodisinfection technology, by using it to help around 1,000 cardiac surgery patients.
Working with the University of Alberta at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, the world-leading complex cardiac care and surgery centre, the eight-month evaluation will look at Steriwave’s ability to reduce post-surgical infections.
Surgical site infections are one of the most common complications with cardiac surgery patients and can mean longer hospital stays, increased costs and a higher likelihood of mortalities.
Currently, Ondine’s nasal photodisinfection treatment can destroy bacteria, viruses and fungi within minutes and without causing resistance, which is why the technology is already being used in hospitals across Canada including Vancouver General Hospital.
Boss Carolyn Cross said in a company statement: "Ondine is delighted to be working with one of the top cardiac healthcare facilities in the world to further reduce the risk of infections following cardiac surgery. The consequences of a post-surgical infection can be catastrophic and can be especially hard for a patient and their family if the procedure itself has been successful.
“The team at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute has been fantastic and welcomed the addition of Steriwave nasal photodisinfection to their infection prevention protocols. We are very pleased to help and look forward to sharing results from this evaluation next year."
Shares in Ondine jumped over 5% on Tuesday following the news, with the stock opening trading at around 9.5p.