Staff at a clinic for Thunder Bay orthopedic surgeons are using nasal disinfectant technology as another tool in the fight against COVID-19.
Dr. Travis Marion is with Big Thunder Orthodepics, and says it clears any bacteria in the nose, and is considered another form of personal protective equipment.
“It is not to reduce the need for PPE’s, it is not to replace any vaccines, however, if there is any potential for it to be used in a setting such as this, we’d like to have it available,” says Dr. Marion.
The Orthopedic clinic says it’s called Steriwave Nasal Decolonization, which uses non-thermal laser that doesn’t hurt human cells. It’s also a photodisinfection, that uses a solution to eliminate bacteria in the nose which can attract viruses.
“Binds to bacteria and biofilms. And when you apply light to it, it kills all that it binds to, and effectively decolonizing the nose from bacteria,” points out the doctor.
He adds its been shown to kill bacteria, and viruses such as HIV and SARS.
“There’s definitely some science behind it, in treating and reducing infections, and reducing the viral load. And we look forward to any additional clinical evidence in the treatment of COVID-19,” adds Dr. Marion.
Big Thunder Orthodepics is teaming up with the Regional Hospital, as well as a Vancouver based biomedical company in using the technology.
