Developing a catheter that prevents bloodstream infections using electrochemical reactions
Official title: Electrochemical Catheter for Prevention of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11012374 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new kind of central venous catheter that makes a special solution to help prevent infections in people who need these catheters, aiming to keep you safer without using antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | February 20, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $382,186 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL166238-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012374 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who require central venous catheters for treatments such as hemodialysis or those in critical care settings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require central venous catheters or those with existing severe infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a new type of central venous catheter that uses electrochemical reactions to generate a biocide called hypochlorous acid (HOCl) within the catheter lumen. By doing so, it aims to prevent central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), which can occur when pathogens enter the bloodstream through these catheters. The approach is non-antibiotic, which may help combat antibiotic resistance. The researchers have already shown promising results in preliminary tests, indicating that this method could effectively reduce infection rates.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of bloodstream infections in patients with central venous catheters.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success with similar electrochemical approaches in preventing infections, indicating potential for this novel method.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patel, Robin — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Patel, Robin
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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.