Medicosnext
Engineers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have unveiled a cutting-edge ultrasound sticker capable of monitoring the internal organs. This innovative technology, about the size of a postage stamp, adheres to the skin and offers a promising tool for early disease detection. The wearable sensor has demonstrated remarkable potential in detecting signs of organ diseases such as liver and kidney failure, as well as tracking solid tumor progression. Published in Science Advances, a study showcased the device’s ability to continuously monitor organ stiffness over 48 hours, pinpointing subtle changes indicative of disease progression.
MIT mechanical engineering professor Xuanhe Zhao highlighted the significance of continuous monitoring for early diagnosis of internal organ failure. He emphasized that as organs undergo disease, they can stiffen over time, making long-term rigidity monitoring crucial for timely intervention. Preliminary tests on rats have shown promising results, with the sensor successfully identifying early signs of acute liver failure. Now, the focus shifts to adapting this technology for human use, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs) for patients recovering from organ transplants, where continuous monitoring is essential.
The ultrasound elastography technology has been miniaturized to fit onto a 25mm-square chip, incorporating 128 miniature transducers. These transducers, made with a hydrogel adhesive, ensure minimal sound wave loss, matching the sensitivity of commercial handheld probes crucial for post-transplant patient care. Looking ahead, the engineers aim to create a portable version of the sticker for at-home patient use, enabling longer-term monitoring of conditions such as solid tumor progression. This groundbreaking research, supported by the National Institutes of Health, heralds a new era in early disease detection and patient care, exemplifying MIT’s commitment to innovation in healthcare technology.
Reference:
https://www.medicaldevice-network.com/news/mit-ultrasound-monitoring/
