American scientists from Northwestern University in Chicago have developed the first bioelectric sensor that continuously monitors the state of the donor organ. The device should give advance warning of the danger of rejection of the transplanted body part. To work published in the journal Science.
A soft, hair-thin sensor is implanted inside the graft and monitors temperature fluctuations associated with inflammation and other characteristic reactions of the body in case of possible organ failure. At the first alarming symptoms, the device sends a wireless message to patients and doctors about the problem.
The researchers tested the sensor on a small kidney transplanted animal. Testing showed that the device detected the first signs of rejection three weeks earlier than current monitoring methods (blood tests and biopsies).
In the future, scientists will need to develop a way to recharge the sensor’s battery for lifetime use.
According to doctors, the donated organ can fail at any time; immediately after transplant or years later. It usually happens suddenly, so most transplant recipients live in constant anxiety.
Formerly doctors to solveIt turns out that living in a poor area increases the risk of heart rejection from the donor by 10%.