NanoVibronix Inc. is sharing positive reported outcomes from a UroShield study conducted at the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom.
 
“As the researchers at Southampton point out, incidences of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) continue to be a major clinical concern, with serious implications for patients and considerable impact on healthcare facilities and resources. We are pleased to learn that through an independent study, researchers witnessed positive outcomes from the use of UroShield both in the lab and with patients,” NanoVibronix CEO Brian Murphy said. “Quantitative data from the research indicated a positive effect of UroShield on catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) and catheter blockage with approximately one-third of patients in the study citing a reduction in the frequency of catheter blockages and the need for unscheduled catheter challenges. Furthermore, qualitative data indicated favorable opinions from the majority of the participants and confirmation that the Uroshield was having a positive effect.”
 
In the study’s hypothesis, the authors wrote, “Incidence of CAUTI continues to be a major clinical concern, with serious implications for patients and considerable impact on healthcare facilities and resources. For long-term catheter users, there is also the increased risk of catheter blockage through the formation of crystalline encrustations due to pH changes in the urine, mediated by the action of urease-producing bacteria such as Proteus mirabilis. For both CAUTI and catheter blockages, current management and treatment methods have limited success with often-repeated use of antibiotics, which in turn lead to increased risk of resistance development, or more frequent catheter changes to avoid emergency call-outs if blocked. There is an urgent need for alternative strategies and approaches.”

UroShield generates ultrasonic waves to create an acoustic shield on the surfaces of a catheter to interfere with the attachment of bacteria, prevent bacterial biofilm formation, the development of infections and may eliminate or reduce the need for antibiotics. It is designed to prevent biofilm formation, decrease bacteriuria/UTI, reduce catheter pain and discomfort and increase antibiotic efficacy.
 
“Market opportunities for UroShield are plentiful, and we believe this independent research highlights the critical need for a medical device that improves outcomes for long-term catheter users and provides additional evidence to support our efforts to increase product distribution and market penetration,” Murphy added.
 
“… the positive reported outcomes and the data from these preliminary studies indicate an effect on the community structure of the microbial populations found in the urine and forming the biofilm,” the study authors noted. “This indicates potential for developing a healthy urinary microbiome by use of low frequency ultrasound, thus avoiding longterm use of antibiotics and the risks associated with such strategies.”
 
Understanding the Use of the NanoVibronix UroShield in Preventing Catheter-Associated Infections and Blockage was published by ScienceDirect.
 
Headquartered in Elmsford, N.Y., with research and development in Nesher, Israel, NanoVibronix develops medical devices using its patented low intensity surface acoustic wave (SAW) technology. The proprietary technology allows for the creation of low-frequency ultrasound waves that can be utilized for a variety of medical applications, including for disruption of biofilms and bacterial colonization, as well as for pain relief. The devices can be administered at home without the assistance of medical professionals. The company’s primary products include PainShield and UroShield, which are portable devices suitable for administration at home without assistance of medical professionals.