Project number
25055
Organization
LumiVici
Offering
ENGR498-F2024-S2025
Catheter-associated infections are a major health care concern. These infections often lead to prolonged hospital stays and increased patient morbidity. One solution is to coat the catheter with antimicrobials. However, traditional antimicrobial coatings degrade over time, making them ineffective in the long term. In this project, the team designed and tested a self-disinfecting urinary catheter that uses low-dose 405 nm light to continuously reduce bacterial colonization for several hours.
The team’s solution integrates fiber-coupled 405 nm LED light sources. These effectively impede bacterial growth while remaining safe for human tissue in controlled doses. A clear catheter material ensures efficient light transmission, and a low-power, embedded control unit regulates continuous light exposure at key disinfection points. The team carried out efficacy testing on the final prototype to assess its effectiveness in reducing infection risks.
This solution provides a long-term, non-chemical infection prevention method for catheterized patients. It is easy for medical staff to apply and safe for use within a hospital environment. With this design, the team has succeeded in the goal of reducing hospital-acquired infections and antibiotic reliance in human and veterinary catheter use.
The team’s solution integrates fiber-coupled 405 nm LED light sources. These effectively impede bacterial growth while remaining safe for human tissue in controlled doses. A clear catheter material ensures efficient light transmission, and a low-power, embedded control unit regulates continuous light exposure at key disinfection points. The team carried out efficacy testing on the final prototype to assess its effectiveness in reducing infection risks.
This solution provides a long-term, non-chemical infection prevention method for catheterized patients. It is easy for medical staff to apply and safe for use within a hospital environment. With this design, the team has succeeded in the goal of reducing hospital-acquired infections and antibiotic reliance in human and veterinary catheter use.