Worl-Med Technologies Co, a Pittsburgh-based startup specializing in the application of colloidal and silver ion technologies, is completing in vivo trials of a silver-ion mist device. The device was initially conceived as a new approach to reducing the frequency and severity of surgical site infections by adding to the existing arsenal of infection control protocols in hospital operating rooms and clinics. The device would enable patients to be bathed in a mist of silver ions; that same misting could be repeated at intervals throughout a procedure to repeatedly cleanse the wound or surgical site.

The application of silver ion technology is no stranger to hospital operating rooms. It currently is used in disinfection solutions IV components and orthopedic implants to mitigate the formation of biofilm in bone grafts, where it eliminates antibiotic resistant bacteria, including methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a bacterium responsible for difficult-to-treat infections, for up to four weeks following surgery. Worl-Med Technologies' device is the first application of silver ion mist technology.

"The absence of tissue damage and its lethal effect on antibiotic resistant bacteria were the impetus for our initial involvement with silver ion technology. Convenience of application led the company to developing a misting device," explains CEO Vincent DiGiambattista.

After the initial components of the technology were developed, Worl-Med Technologies spent 10 months configuring these into a convenient unit that weighs less than 20 lbs and is the size of a large briefcase. Although it can fit into the top of a small cart, the device also includes a handle for easy transport. Operation begins and ends with a flick of two toggle switches, and it requires no monitoring. Results are nearly instantaneous.

The company looks forward to beginning pre-clinical trials within weeks. The company is also interested in exploring silver-ion technology as a modality of treatment in respiratory medicine.  Contact: Sylvestran@comcast.net