CatLight

CatLight – A UV-Emitting Catheter Disinfection Device

CatLight is an innovative UV-emitting device designed to disinfect indwelling urinary catheters, reducing the risk of CAUTI. It integrates seamlessly with existing catheters, utilizing a UV-light generator and a sterile UV probe to deliver targeted UV-C light disinfection, effectively eliminating bacterial contaminants.

CatLight was developed during the BioMedical Design Novo Nordisk Foundation Fellowship Programme at Aarhus University. The project evolved through rigorous clinical observations, extensive interviews with international Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), and validation in both Denmark and the United States. The high incidence of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI), accounting for up to 40% of hospital-acquired infections, highlighted the need for a better preventive solution. This critical healthcare challenge inspired the creation of CatLight, aiming to improve patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.

The Future and Key Learning

The next steps for CatLight include further technical and clinical validation, securing regulatory approvals, and establishing strategic partnerships for market entry. The goal is to transition from prototype to full-scale production and clinical use. The long-term vision for CatLight is to become the standard solution for preventing CAUTI in hospitals worldwide, significantly improving patient care and healthcare efficiency. 

A key learning from this project has been the importance of user-centered design and continuous validation with end-users and stakeholders. Feedback from healthcare professionals was essential in refining the device to meet clinical needs effectively. 

The Team

The interdisciplinary collaboration among team members with diverse backgrounds in research, clinical medicine, and engineering was crucial. The team leveraged their unique skills to develop and refine CatLight, showcasing the strength of collaborative innovation.