Minimally invasive sensor for detection and control of tissue ischemia

This Spanish research networking center gathers some of the main Spanish research groups in biomedicine, located in more than 100 institutions like universities, hospitals, and technological centers distributed around the country. Monitoring tissue ischemia is key to avoid irreparable damage or even tissue loss due to blood perfusion impairment. Tissue ischemia control is commonly required on reconstructive surgery units, where microsurgical anastomosis of tissue flap vessels is routinely performed by clinical observation of general symptoms; as well as in trauma units, where compartmental syndrome (i.e. raise of tissue pressure due to severe trauma and consequent loss of blood perfusion) is a main concern. Currently, the control of tissue ischemia is based on the clinical observation of subjective symptomology (e.g. skin color or turgence). Therefore, microcirculatory complications are normally detected after 5-8 days post-surgery, when tissue salvage rate is very low. Thus, reliable methods for earlier detection of tissue ischemia are required. The present invention describes a new disposable and miniaturized array of electrochemical sensors for the minimally invasive monitoring of tissue ischemia. The device was pre-validated for hypoxia monitoring by means of pH and O2 detection in tissue and blood in rabbit model. Large-scale prototype tested on stomach pig-model is available. Micro-sized prototype is under development. Multi-sensing integration has been achieved. The research center is seeking companies of the bio and pharma sectors willing to establish license agreements, research cooperation for clinical proof of concept, or joint venture agreements to callaborate in innovation projects.