'Smart Sutures' Can Collect and Send Data About Patient Recovery
Hayley McGlone — July 20, 2016 — Tech
References: popsci
Researchers at Tufts University have invented 'smart sutures' that are capable of tracking the healing process of a wound. Researchers embedded electronics, microfluidics and nano-scale sensors to create diagnostic sutures. The research craft thread can collect diagnostic data that can be relayed back to the patient's doctor. The thread can track tissue temperature, pH and glucose levels, as well as stress and strain on the wound, and even detect if an infection is beginning.
The data is wirelessly sent to either a smartphone or a computer that allows for a doctor to check on their patients recovery without requiring an in-office visit. Researchers believe that the smart sutures could potentially be used for organs and orthopedic implants. The high-tech sutures could change how the medical field takes care of wounds, especially in regards to preventing infections.
The data is wirelessly sent to either a smartphone or a computer that allows for a doctor to check on their patients recovery without requiring an in-office visit. Researchers believe that the smart sutures could potentially be used for organs and orthopedic implants. The high-tech sutures could change how the medical field takes care of wounds, especially in regards to preventing infections.
Trend Themes
1. Disruptive Diagnostic Sutures - Innovative sutures with embedded electronics, microfluidics, and nano-scale sensors can track the healing process of a wound and collect diagnostic data, creating opportunities for remote patient monitoring and preventive care.
2. Smart Implants - The technology behind smart sutures can be used for organs and orthopedic implants, creating opportunity for remote monitoring and early detection of complications.
3. Data-driven Medicines - The real-time data retrieved from smart sutures can empower doctors and researchers to develop tailored treatments for patients.
Industry Implications
1. Biomedical Industry - The innovative technology behind smart sutures can revolutionize biomedical industries, improving patient care and fostering innovations in implants, wound care, and more.
2. Medical Device Industry - Smart sutures can disrupt medical device industries by enabling remote monitoring and creating opportunities for developing smart implants that can track patient progress and reduce the need for in-office visits.
3. Big Data Industry - Smart sutures can generate large amounts of real-time data that can be analyzed to develop advanced predictive analytics and insights for healthcare professionals and researchers.
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