Bio-patch sensing device could improve post-op breast reconstruction success

A new bio-patch sensing device about the size of a sim card has been developed by a multinational team led by Imperial College, London, which they hope will, in time, hasten the ability to identify and fix complications that can arise post breast reconstruction surgery. Near-infrared spectroscopy collects and sends encrypted data using sensors that are hermetically sealed inside biocompatible materials. A crucial indicator of the likelihood of reconstruction failure is the oxygen saturation levels in transferred tissue, so the patch was attached to a group of patients for two days post breast reconstruction surgery to monitor those levels. Trials have been successful and the hope now is that the bio-patch could be available for clinical use in about 3 years’ time once financial support is in place for the next stage of development.

Prof Guang-Zhong Yang, director of the Hamlyn Centre at Imperial College London, said: “Clinical signs of failure often occur late and patients may be returned to the operating room on clinical suspicion. Our new bio-patch tackles this problem by providing objective data as an early warning system for medical staff, enabling earlier and simpler interventions, as well as giving patients increased peace of mind.”