Northwestern University scientists have introduced a groundbreaking electronic device tailored for real-time monitoring of transplanted organ health.
This device is a mere 0.3 cm x 0.7 cm in dimension and a thickness of 220 microns. It is specifically engineered to reside beneath the kidney's protective fibrous renal capsule layer.
Detecting temperature fluctuations associated with inflammation, it serves as an early warning system for potential rejection, alerting wirelessly to a nearby smartphone or tablet upon detecting changes.
Given that rejection often initiates without discernible symptoms, this device has the potential to notify patients of critical changes that might otherwise go unnoticed. Its timely alerts could offer immense peace of mind to those whose well-being hinges on the success of their transplants.
In the US, over 250,000 individuals live with transplanted kidneys, and monitoring organ health typically involves blood tests for creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. However, these tests can yield misleading results due to unrelated fluctuations. Meanwhile, biopsy tests, though currently used, are invasive and pose risks of bleeding, infection, and tissue damage.
In pursuit of an alternative, Northwestern researchers zeroed in on temperature as a pivotal early sign of transplant rejection. The device, equipped with an ultra-sensitive thermometer, precisely detects localised temperature changes in the kidney, proving more effective than measuring blood flow.
This soft sensor is linked to a compact set of electronics positioned adjacent to the organ, powered by a coin cell battery and capable of transferring data via Bluetooth to external smart devices.
The advent of this new device promises enhanced protection, offering continuous monitoring that could significantly alleviate anxieties associated with transplant success.
