Monitoring the brain is difficult and complicated. Hardwired electrodes attached to the skin are messy and uncomfortable, and more invasive monitoring devices leave patients open to infection. Researchers at Washington University are aiming to change the game, and a new study proves that their efforts are worthy of more attention.
Neurosurgeon Dr. Rory Murphy, working with John Rogers, an engineering and materials science professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, created a “smart chip.” The chip, about the size of a grain of rice, can be implanted anywhere in the body. The smart chip communicates wirelessly, eliminating the need for uncomfortable and bulky electrodes. The best part? It’s designed to dissolve in place.
How does it work?
Rogers told CNN, “The devices consist of a multilayer stack of materials- each of these materials dissolves in biofluids to yield biocompatible end product. Some of these materials are already used in existing, non-electronic bioresorbable implants sutures; others are naturally occurring in the body, and are recommended parts of a daily diet (silicon and magnesium).”
The device is still undergoing trial testing; so far, it has accurately recorded information about rat brains, specifically intracranial pressure and temperature. These are important factors that can contribute to brain or spine damage after a traumatic brain injury. Normally, monitoring intracranial pressure requires a range of specialized equipment that effectively immobilizes a patient. This new device may change not just how brain injuries are monitored, but much more.
Versatile smart chips can change how doctors monitor your body
Researchers are optimistic about the potential for these smart chips. They can be adapted to report different types of information from different parts of the body, and are minimally invasive to implant. Rogers said, “This is a new class of electronic biomedical implants- the devices can be adapted to sense… in formats that are compatible with the body’s abdomen and extremities, as well as the deep brain.”
Because clinical trials take a long time – they’re designed that way to make sure that a medical device is totally safe before it hits the market – it may be some time before we see smart chips in common use. But we’re excited by the potential this tech has for TBI victims and others.
Unfortunately, many medical devices that pass the rigorous requirements of clinical trials turn out to have unforeseen complications down the road. Complications from defective medical devices change lives. If you or someone you know has suffered an injury or illness from a defective medical device, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced Nashville defective medical device attorneys at Rocky McElhaney Law Firm can evaluate your case and help get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation at one of our offices in Nashville, Gallatin or Knoxville.
