Improves Patient Outcomes

Improves Patient Outcomes

The patented Light Line PhotoDisinfection System uses 405 nanometer visible light (light that the human eye can see) to safely and effectively kill the pathogens that cause catheter infections without harming surrounding tissue or catheter components.

The System, shown below, includes a reusable laser light engine, transfer cable and disinfecting fiber:
Developed through years of research and testing, Light Line’s proprietary etching technology creates patterns of microscopic holes in the outer coating of an optical fiber. This allows the light at the optimal therapeutic dose to cause cellular disruption and kill pathogens without the use of drugs, chemicals, or harmful UV light. Light Line targets the most critical area, which accounts for 91.5% of the peritonitis cases. By directing the light to specific areas of catheters and other medical devices Light Line’s visible light disinfecting technology kills microbes exactly where they reside.

Studies conducted by Light Line have shown that this disinfecting light treatment has killed high concentrations of the microbes that lead to catheter infections, including bacteria, yeast and fungi.

The technology is protected by over 30 U.S. and international patents. These patents provide broad coverage for the use of this technology in catheters and other medical devices. In addition, these patents provide coverage for many other applications. These patents cover the novel aspects of our disinfecting light technology. There is no other system like it.
Light Line Medical’s Revolutionary PhotoDisinfection System is compatible with standard catheters and other medical devices such as endotracheal tubes. The system is designed to dramatically decrease the frequency of peritoneal dialysis infections, urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, and ventilator-associated pneumonia. Here’s how it works.

Antimicrobial Mechanism of 405nm Light

The mechanism of action of the light used in this technology acts on endogenous photo-sensitive molecules within microorganisms resulting in the production of reactive oxygen species that target proteins and organic molecules within the cell resulting in cell death. This kills the pathogens thus eliminating the contamination that cause infections.

Specifically, 405nm visible light kills microbes by acting on porphyrins. Porphyrins are membrane-bound molecules with a conjugated ring system where electrons create double bonds between carbon atoms. Electrons in this conjugated double bond are unique because they are easily excitable. High energy visible light emits violet-blue photons which travel at the ideal wavelength (405nm) to interact with bacterial porphyrin. These photons excite endogenous porphyrins in microbial cells leading to the creation of activated Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). These ROSs damage the lipids, proteins and cell membrane of microbes, resulting in microbial death. This mechanism both prevents colonization by planktonic microbes and acts on established biofilms.

Illustrative 405nm Mechanism of Action
Below are images of catheters inoculated with ampicillin-resistant bacteria before and after light treatment. In each case, the image on the right shows bacteria on the extraluminal catheter surfaces with light treatment as compared to the control (no light) group on the left.
No Treatment - Control
With Treatment
No Treatment - Control
With Treatment
Data presented at the 43rd Annual Dialysis Conference in March 2023 demonstrated that the Light Line PhotoDisinfection System killed peritoneal dialysis-related microbes:

Breakthrough Products

Driven by the Light Line Engine
Light Line™ PhotoDisinfection Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter
Current dialysis patients fear infection. Peritoneal dialysis infections are a major reason that patients choose hemodialysis over peritoneal dialysis. Experts agree that peritoneal dialysis is typically better for the patient and their quality of life - - it costs less than hemodialysis and has a higher 5-year survival rate. Experts also agree that many more patients need to be switched from hemodialysis to peritoneal dialysis.
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Light Line™ PhotoDisinfection 
Foley/Urinary Catheter
Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs) are one of the most common infections a person can contract in the hospital or nursing home. Indwelling catheters cause these infection. These CAUTI’s are deadly, place an unnecessary burden on the healthcare system, and must be eliminated.
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Light Line™ PhotoDisinfection Endotracheal Tube
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonias are nosocomial pneumonias that typically develop more than 48-72 hours after endotracheal tube intubation. It is the most common infection acquired by adults and children in ICUs and is a cause of significant patient morbidity, mortality, and unnecessary expense.
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Light Line™ PhotoDisinfection Central and PICC Lines
Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs) are some of the most serious infections, typically causing a prolonged hospital stay, increased cost, and risk of mortality. In 2021, in the U.S. approximately 28,000 patients died in ICUs from a CLABSI. Unfortunately, these infections are becoming more deadly.
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