Intestinal anastomoses, referring to the surgical joining of two segments of the intestine following the excision of diseased tissue, pose a significant risk of post-operative complications. Circulatory disorders or immunological responses can result in severe consequential damage or even mortality within a brief timeframe.
Direct monitoring of the suture site has been unfeasible, often leading to associated risks for patients and substantial expenses due to follow-up surgeries and extended hospital stays.
This new method presents the opportunity to identify complications at an early stage and, ideally, avert subsequent damage.
The research team has created a bioresorbable sensor film that is directly placed into the intestinal suture during surgical procedures. It continuously monitors parameters like tissue impedance and temperature, delivering real-time insights into the status of the healing area for the first time.
The researchers developed specialized printable electronic materials and manufacturing techniques to achieve this, using recognized surgical methods to implant the film. By conducting statistical analyses of various sensors, the researchers demonstrated that sudden variations in electrical tissue resistance can distinctly identify circulatory disorders.
We had to break new ground in the selection of biocompatible materials and the manufacture of our printed electronics – with the aim of not impairing wound healing.
Karl Leo, Professor and Project Manager, TU Dresden
“At the same time, the challenge was to be able to test the sensor film not only in the laboratory, but directly in the body. The close collaboration between surgery and technology has demonstrated the potential of interdisciplinary approaches,” added Prof. Clemens Schafmayer, Project Manager, Rostock University Medical Center.
I am delighted that early interdisciplinary exchange has led to this successful outcome. This shows how clinical needs and technological development can work together to improve patient care in the future.
Jochen Hampe, Professor and Director, Medical Clinic and Polyclinic I, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital
Plans for further developments are already underway for the upcoming years: the study aims to be supported by a more extensive statistical foundation, and the sensor film is intended to be enhanced with additional functionalities to achieve a deeper understanding of the mechanisms contributing to anastomotic failure in the future.
The researchers regard this as a significant advancement towards the creation of smarter implants and the provision of safer surgical care.
Journal Reference:
Wahl, D., et al. (2025) Real-Time In Vivo Monitoring of Anastomotic Intestinal Ischemia Using Implantable Resorbable Organic Sensors. Advanced Science. DOI: 10.1002/advs.202514507.