BEIJING – Chinese scientists have designed an implant and self-powered sensor that can help monitor heart failure.
Based on the triboelectric nanogenerator that can convert bio-mechanical energy into electricity, scientists from the Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems affiliated have developed a miniaturized self-powered sensor that can enter the heart with minimally invasive surgery.
The sensor is 1.5 centimeters long, 1 centimeter wide and 0.1 centimeters high. It has been experimented on pig models and integrated with a surgical catheter for minimally invasive implantation.
The sensor can conduct ultra-sensitive, real-time monitoring, and has mechanical stability. It can also detect ventricular fibrillation and ventricular premature contraction.
According to Liu Zhuo, one of the researchers, the research may help encourage the development of more miniature implantable medical sensors for monitoring and diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases.
