Korea University Anam Hospital Develops Wireless Electronic Sutures for Post-Surgical Monitoring

Professors Jang Woo-young and Choi Ji-hye of the Orthopedic Surgery team at Korea University Anam Hospital announced on the 27th the development of wireless electronic sutures capable of long-term monitoring of tendon recovery following surgery. This innovation allows for precise assessment of soft tissue recovery through tensile angle measurements, facilitating personalized treatment plans.

When an Achilles tendon is ruptured during activities such as sports, rehabilitation is required post-treatment. The duration of rehabilitation protocols varies across hospitals and physicians. 

Evaluating the extent of tendon recovery to apply appropriate rehabilitation intensity has been challenging. While treatment plans are generally based on average recovery speeds and imaging results like CT scans, accommodating individual treatment variations necessitated additional technology.

To address these limitations, Professor Jang's team, in collaboration with Professor Seo Jung-mok’s team from Yonsei University College of Engineering and Professor Lee Jae-hong's team from DGIST, developed the wireless electronic suture. 

This suture comprises an induction coil, a transmitter, a fiber sensor, and the suture material itself. Utilizing the induction coil enables long-term, wireless monitoring with non-invasive precision. The use of biocompatible and immune-resistant materials also minimizes side effects.

The sensor technology enables long-term monitoring of the functional characteristics of reconstructed soft tissue, accurately measuring recovery speed and predicting post-surgical complications. This precision aids in creating detailed treatment and rehabilitation plans, ensuring optimal recovery conditions.

The research team confirmed the efficacy of the wireless electronic suture by applying it to an animal model with Achilles tendon damage. Over 12 weeks, the reconstructed tissue's recovery and functional characteristics monitoring revealed that signals collected from the suture accurately measured the tissue's recovery speed and extent.

Professor Jang stated, "This advancement enhances the evaluation of surgical outcomes and innovates post-surgical management, significantly improving patients' quality of life. It enables timely, tailored treatment for each patient." He also noted the potential to expand this research beyond the Achilles tendon to other soft tissues.

This study's findings were featured as the cover article in the International Journal of Nanoscience, ACS NANO.