Cambie Surgery Centre Adopts Steriwave^® as Standard of Care for Orthopedic and Plastic Surgeries

Ondine Biomedical Inc. announces that its expansion is gaining traction in Canada’s private healthcare sector, with Cambie Surgery Centre, one of the country’s foremost private surgical facilities, adopting Steriwave^® nasal photodisinfection as the standard of care for orthopedic and plastic surgeries. This is the third private clinic in Canada to routinely use Steriwave before orthopedic and cosmetic surgery.

Established in 1996 as Canada’s first free-standing private hospital, Cambie Surgery Centre is one of Canada’s leading private, multi-specialty surgical centres, accredited with Exemplary Standing by Accreditation Canada. The centre is renowned for its advanced technology, highly experienced surgeons, and unwavering commitment to patient-focused care.

Cambie Surgery Centre’s decision reflects a growing trend among Canadian surgical facilities to embrace Steriwave nasal photodisinfection into their infection prevention protocols. Steriwave’s rapid, broad-spectrum action and ease of use make it an ideal solution for busy surgical teams focused on delivering the best outcomes for their patients.

Kirsty Carpenter, Executive Director of Cambie Surgery Centre in British Columbia commented:

“At Cambie Surgery Centre, our mission is to provide the highest standard of care for our patients. Adopting nasal photodisinfection aligns perfectly with our commitment to best practices and patient safety. We are proud to lead the way in British Columbia by implementing this proven, innovative technology to ensure our patients are maximally protected from the risk of infection.”

Carolyn Cross, CEO of Ondine, commented:

“We are delighted to be working with Cambie Surgery Centre, an important BC-based private surgery centre recognized for its excellence and leadership in patient care. By adopting Steriwave as standard of care for orthopedic and plastic surgeries, Cambie Surgery Centre is taking a proactive step to protect patients from the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance. We look forward to supporting their team as they continue to set new benchmarks for surgical safety in Canada.”

Surgical site infections (SSIs) following major surgeries carry serious and often devastating consequences for patients, with approximately 3% excess mortality [[i]], extended hospital stays of nearly 10 days [[ii]], and up to 63 hours of added staff time per case, based on internal modelling estimates. A comprehensive Alberta study published in 2018 found that complex SSIs following hip and knee surgeries cost hospitals up to CA$95,000 per case and carry serious risks for patients.[[iii]]

Approximately 69% of SSIs are caused by pathogens that colonize the nasal passages.[[iv][v]–[vi]] Leading health authorities, including the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), WHO (World Health Organisation), and SHEA (Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America), recommend nasal decolonization prior to major surgeries to reduce SSI risk. Unlike topical antibiotics such as mupirocin—commonly used for nasal decolonization but limited by rising resistance and the need for multi-day patient adherence—Steriwave eradicates a broader range of nasal pathogens linked to SSIs, including drug-resistant strains.

Steriwave nasal photodisinfection has demonstrated more than a 50% reduction in SSI rates in initial deployments, significantly improving patient outcomes and reducing hospital readmissions. Steriwave is a five-minute, light-activated antimicrobial therapy that destroys pathogens in the nasal cavity without fostering resistance or relying on patient compliance. The treatment involves applying the proprietary Steriwave photosensitive agent to each nostril followed by illumination with a specific wavelength of red light. Unlike antibiotics, it is immediately effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it a powerful tool in the fight against healthcare-associated infections.

[[i]] Umscheid CA, et al. Estimating the proportion of healthcare-associated infections that are reasonably preventable and the related mortality and costs. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 2011;32(2):101–114. (link)

[[ii]] Anderson DJ, et al. Strategies to Prevent Surgical Site Infections in Acute Care Hospitals: 2014 Update. Infect. Control. Hosp. Epidemiol. 2014;35:605–627. (link)

[[iii]] Rennert-May ED, Conly J, Smith S, et al. The cost of managing complex surgical site infections following primary hip and knee arthroplasty: A population-based cohort study in Alberta, Canada. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2018;39(10):1183-1188. (link)

[[iv]] CDC. HAI Pathogens and Antimicrob Resist Report, 2018-2021. (link)

[[v]] Nature. 2012;486:207-214. (link)

[[vi]] Biomedicines. 2022 Dec 26;11(1):54. (link)