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Modular stimuli-responsive hydrogel sealants for early gastrointestinal leak detection and containment

Author

Listed:
  • Alexandre H. C. Anthis

    (Nanoparticle Systems Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich
    Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa))

  • Maria Paulene Abundo

    (California Institute of Technology)

  • Anna L. Neuer

    (Nanoparticle Systems Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich
    Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa))

  • Elena Tsolaki

    (Nanoparticle Systems Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich
    Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa))

  • Jachym Rosendorf

    (Charles University
    Charles University)

  • Thomas Rduch

    (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa)
    Cantonal Hospital St Gallen (KSSG))

  • Fabian H. L. Starsich

    (Nanoparticle Systems Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich
    Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa))

  • Bernhard Weisse

    (Empa - Swiss Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology)

  • Vaclav Liska

    (Charles University
    Charles University)

  • Andrea A. Schlegel

    (University Hospital Zurich
    Swiss HPB and Transplant Center, Zurich
    Centre of Preclinical Research)

  • Mikhail G. Shapiro

    (California Institute of Technology
    Howard Hughes Medical Institute)

  • Inge K. Herrmann

    (Nanoparticle Systems Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich
    Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa))

Abstract

Millions of patients every year undergo gastrointestinal surgery. While often lifesaving, sutured and stapled reconnections leak in around 10% of cases. Currently, surgeons rely on the monitoring of surrogate markers and clinical symptoms, which often lack sensitivity and specificity, hence only offering late-stage detection of fully developed leaks. Here, we present a holistic solution in the form of a modular, intelligent suture support sealant patch capable of containing and detecting leaks early. The pH and/or enzyme-responsive triggerable sensing elements can be read out by point-of-need ultrasound imaging. We demonstrate reliable detection of the breaching of sutures, in as little as 3 hours in intestinal leak scenarios and 15 minutes in gastric leak conditions. This technology paves the way for next-generation suture support materials that seal and offer disambiguation in cases of anastomotic leaks based on point-of-need monitoring, without reliance on complex electronics or bulky (bio)electronic implantables.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexandre H. C. Anthis & Maria Paulene Abundo & Anna L. Neuer & Elena Tsolaki & Jachym Rosendorf & Thomas Rduch & Fabian H. L. Starsich & Bernhard Weisse & Vaclav Liska & Andrea A. Schlegel & Mikhail , 2022. "Modular stimuli-responsive hydrogel sealants for early gastrointestinal leak detection and containment," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:13:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-022-34272-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34272-y
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