Publication

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

Journal Paper/Review - Nov 27, 2022

Units
PubMed
Doi
Contact

Citation
Anthis A, Abundo M, Neuer A, Tsolaki E, Rosendorf J, Rduch T, Starsich F, Weisse B, Liska V, Schlegel A, Shapiro M, Herrmann I. Modular stimuli-responsive hydrogel sealants for early gastrointestinal leak detection and containment. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7311.
Type
Journal Paper/Review (English)
Journal
Nat Commun 2022; 13
Publication Date
Nov 27, 2022
Issn Electronic
2041-1723
Pages
7311
Brief description/objective

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.