Canadian life sciences firm Ondine Biomedical Inc (AIM:OBI) said that its Steriwave nasal photodisinfection protocol contributed to a 66.5% decrease in spine surgery infection rates at Vancouver General Hospital.
Not only that, it is estimated to have helped garner $2.5 million in savings.
The protocol, paired with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) wipes, has been beneficial in managing post-surgical infection rates without causing resistance.
Vancouver General, along with the University of British Columbia (UBC) Hospital, was among the first to integrate this pre-surgical nasal photodisinfection approach. The importance of such measures is evident, especially given concerns about anti-microbial resistance.
Research findings from the VGH spine group, led by Dr John Street, were presented at the IP2023 conference in Liverpool.
The study highlighted a notable reduction in surgical site infections in spine surgery patients using this protocol. Furthermore, the hospital reported a cost saving of $19.9 million over eight years, showcasing the dual benefits of enhanced patient care and economic efficiency.