Project

SensAL – Personalizing Postoperative Care of Gastrointestinal Surgery Patients based on Drain Fluid Monitoring

Short Summary

In the PHRT project, our goal is to create a novel technology called SensAL. This innovation aims for continuous, equipment-free monitoring of the anastomotic site through the analysis of drain fluid fingerprints. We plan to develop colorimetric sensing arrays that will enable the continuous and highly sensitive detection of anastomotic leakage (AL) specific biomarkers in the drain fluid. The unique feature of these sensors is their ability to visibly change color, allowing for easy detection by the naked eye without the need for any additional equipment.

Goals

In this PHRT project, we seek to design and develop a new technology, termed SensAL, enabling the continuous, electronic-free monitoring of the anastomotic site based on drain fluid fingerprints. We will develop responsive colorimetric sensing units, allowing continuous and ultrasensitive detection of AL specific biomarkers in drain fluid. Due to the visible change in sensor color, the sensors can be readily read out by the naked eye, without relying on equipment.

Significance

By detecting complications earlier and providing an additional level confidence to treating physicians, the postoperative care of gastrointestinal surgery patients and their nutrition can adapted based on evidence in a patient-specific manner. This affordable and robust technology has the prospect to enter clinics rapidly due to the lower regulatory hurdles compared to invasive technologies.

Background

Millions of gastrointestinal surgeries are carried out annually due to cancer or other gastrointestinal diseases. These procedures typically involve the resection of diseased tissues and the reconnection of healthy tissue ends in a procedure known as anastomosis. While these procedures are oftentimes life-saving for the patients, in 10% or more of the cases, the surgical reconnections fail, leak and do not heal properly. Such anastomotic leaks have devastating consequences, including peritonitis and sepsis, are associated with high mortality (up to 30%) and cause significant additional costs (+40 kCHF per patient). While superficial wounds already pose significant challenges to wound management, deep tissue wounds, such as anastomotic sites, which cannot be visually inspected are even more challenging to manage. Especially the lack of available tools for early diagnosis is highly problematic, and as a result, leaks are discovered only at stages when they are fully developed and clinically symptomatic.