Implantable sensors and ultrasonic data link with triggered bioresorption for next-gen wireless cardiac monitoring

Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally. Monitoring heart functions and ischemia is critical for survival after cardiac surgery. Standard monitoring methods such as echocardiogram and ELISA blood tests provide single-time measurements.

Limitations of Current Methods

These methods are available only in hospitals, and there is no continuous monitoring method after patients are discharged. This leads to a high rate of recurrent heart failures and rehospitalization.

Challenges with Implantable Devices

Implantable medical devices are used for the treatment of various disorders. However, their non-resorbable nature necessitates an implant removal surgery that puts additional risk of infection and stress on patients. This limitation restricts their use in postoperative monitoring.

The Promise of Bioresorbable Implants

Bioresorbable implants may soon revolutionize postoperative monitoring methods. The surgeon will implant a small patch onto the heart during surgery, enabling continuous cardiac monitoring and early alerts for heart failure.

Benefits of Bioresorbable Implants

This approach will:

• Reduce sudden attacks
• Decrease rehospitalizations
• Lower the financial burden of healthcare

Once the monitoring period ends, triggering with a light source will dissolve the implant, providing a significant second chance for survivors of cardiac failure without the burden of secondary surgery.

Current Technological Limitations

The technological advancements to bring this vision to the clinic are not available yet.

Project Overview: 2ND-CHANCE

2ND-CHANCE will facilitate this vision by building components of next-generation wireless implants with triggered bioresorption for cardiac surgery through ground-breaking approaches.

Project Goals

This interdisciplinary project aims to develop:

1. Bioresorbable sensors compatible with the in-body environment
2. Battery-free ultrasonic communication
3. Encapsulation layer with triggered bioresorption
4. Integration and animal tests

Broader Implications

The versatility of the 2ND-CHANCE project will also yield potential breakthroughs in fields where monitoring of tissues and biomarkers is crucial, such as neurology and ophthalmology, and will open new research perspectives.