The BUZZ in Blockages

SonoSolve is developing a revolutionary device to eliminate catheter-associated complications using non-invasive sound waves to clear obstructions.

Catheters are used widely in medicine. Indwelling catheters may become colonized by bacteria through biofilm formation or obstructed with blood clots, proteinaceous debris, or other bodily contents requiring flushing and/or surgical replacement.

Catheter-associated complications result in hospital-acquired infections, further surgical procedures, and additional time spent in the hospital or in an acute care setting. According to CDC data, catheter-associated infections alone amount to billions of dollars in healthcare spending annually.

Aside from the costs, the morbidities include infections requiring antibiotics, sepsis, and even death. Furthermore, institutional quality measures and healthcare reimbursements are tied specifically to catheter-associated complications.

Technologies have been developed to address these issues; however, clinical adoption has been limited due to a lack of adaptability with current standards of care. Additionally, these technologies are built into each catheter, making the cost of implementation prohibitive. Current capabilities do not include lysis of clots or proteinaceous debris. Unlike our device, existing technology can expose patients to undesired effects given the application of energy throughout the catheter.