A UV Disinfection System for Catheters to Prevent Bloodstream Infections

Therapeutic UV Disinfection System to Prevent Catheter Related Bloodstream Infections (CRBSIs) in Patients with Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs)

NIH-funded research Puracath Medical, INC. · NIH-11126870

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPuracath Medical, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11126870 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients who have Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs) and are at risk for bloodstream infections would be the target beneficiaries of this technology.

Not a fit: Patients without PICCs or other types of central venous catheters would not directly benefit from this specific disinfection system.

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 performed: 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

Newark, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Catheter-related bloodstream infection
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.