A UV Disinfection System for Catheters to Prevent Bloodstream Infections
Official title: Therapeutic UV Disinfection System to Prevent Catheter Related Bloodstream Infections (CRBSIs) in Patients with Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs)
Funded at Puracath Medical, INC. · NIH-11126870 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project is preparing a special ultraviolet light system to help keep central line catheters clean and prevent serious bloodstream infections in patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Puracath Medical, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 6, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $992,594 |
| NIH project number | 5SB1AI174371-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11126870 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients who have Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs) and are at risk for bloodstream infections would be the target beneficiaries of this technology.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without PICCs or other types of central venous catheters would not directly benefit from this specific disinfection system.
What this research studies
We are working to make a therapeutic system ready for widespread use that disinfects the connector on Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs). This system uses ultraviolet light to eliminate harmful germs and biofilms, which are sticky layers of bacteria and fungi, by a very high percentage. The goal is to stop these germs from entering the bloodstream through the catheter and causing serious infections. This involves developing a special UV-transmissive connector and a handheld device with UV lights and sensors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this system could significantly reduce the risk of life-threatening catheter-related bloodstream infections for patients with PICCs.
How similar studies have gone: The needleless connector component of this system has already received initial FDA clearance, and the overall system performance was validated in a previous phase, indicating promising prior success.
Where this research is happening
-
Puracath Medical, INC.
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rasooly, Julia — Puracath Medical, INC.
- Study coordinator: Rasooly, Julia
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.