Development of a Prototype and Commercialization Pathway for the Improved Treatment of Periprosthetic Joint Infection (PJI)

Periprosthetic Joint Infections (PJIs) are infections involving an implanted joint prosthesis and surrounding tissue that occur following joint arthroplasties. Management of these infections is challenging and often surgical due to the antibiotic-resistant nature of the biofilm produced by infecting organisms. In 2019-2020, more than 63,000 Total Hip Arthroplasties (THAs) and 75,000 Total Knee Arthroplasties (TKAs) were performed in Canada. Studies have shown that the annual incidence rates of infection for THAs and TKAs to be 1-2%, resulting in significant economic burden to the healthcare system. The goal of this project is to prototype a medical device and workflow for the intraoperative treatment of PJIs during DAIR (debridement, antibiotics, implant retention), single-stage, and two-stage revision operations through the eradication of biofilm. To achieve this, the project will include the development of a business plan to describe a viable pathway from bench to bedside, technical feasibility assessments from a clinical perspective to optimize the integration of a medical device into existing surgical practices, and the construction of a physical preliminary prototype. The results of this project have the potential to improve outcomes for those undergoing PJI treatment, thereby reducing patient morbidity and healthcare costs associated with failed treatment strategies.

Faculty Supervisor:

Margarete Akens;Cari Whyne

Student:

Partner:

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

University of Toronto

Program: