New sensor technology can detect life-threatening complications after intestinal surgery at an earlier stage

An interdisciplinary research team from Dresden University of Technology (TUD), Rostock University Medical Centre (UMR) and Dresden University Hospital has developed an innovative, implantable and fully absorbable sensor film. For the first time, it enables reliable early detection of circulatory disorders in intestinal anastomoses – one of the riskiest surgical procedures in the abdominal cavity. The results have now been presented in the renowned journal ‘Advanced Science’.

Intestinal anastomoses, that is the surgical connection of two sections of the intestine after the removal of diseased tissue, carry a considerable risk of post-operative complications. In particular, circulatory disorders or immunological reactions can lead to serious consequential damage or even death within a short period of time. However, direct monitoring of the suture site has not been possible until now, which often entails corresponding risks for patients as well as considerable costs due to follow-up operations and long hospital stays.

Based on this specific medical need, the interdisciplinary network of the Else Kröner Fresenius Centre (EKFZ) for Digital Health at TUD and Dresden University Hospital brought together key experts from Dresden and Rostock.

Their new approach offers the possibility of detecting complications at an early stage and, in the best case, preventing consequential damage. The interdisciplinary research team has developed a bioresorbable sensor film that is inserted directly into the intestinal suture during surgery. It continuously measures parameters such as tissue impedance and temperature, providing real-time information on the condition of the healing region for the first time.

Researchers at the Dresden Integrated Centre for Applied Physics and Photonic Materials (IAPP) at TU Dresden developed special printable electronic materials and manufacturing processes for this purpose, while the UMR team successfully put the implantation into practice using established surgical procedures. Through statistical analysis of multiple sensors, the scientists were able to show that circulatory disorders can be clearly detected by abrupt changes in electrical tissue resistance.

‘We had to break new ground in the selection of biocompatible materials and the manufacture of our printed electronics – with the aim of not impairing wound healing,’ explains Prof. Karl Leo, project manager at TU Dresden. ‘At the same time, the challenge was to be able to test the sensor film not only in the laboratory, but directly in the body.’ Prof. Clemens Schafmayer, project manager at Rostock University Medical Centre, adds: ‘The close collaboration between surgery and technology has demonstrated the potential of interdisciplinary approaches.’

‘I am delighted that early interdisciplinary exchange has led to this successful outcome. This shows how clinical needs and technological development can work together to improve patient care in the future,’ explains Prof. Jochen Hampe, Director of Medical Clinic and Polyclinic I at Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital and scientific speaker of the EKFZ for Digital Health in Dresden.

The research work was funded by the German Research Foundation and via the regional development fund of the European Union (DFG, 461264398, FAVORS; European Regional Development Fund. Grant Number: EXF-25-2010). Further steps are already planned for the coming years: the study is to be placed on a broader statistical basis and the sensor film is to be expanded with additional functions in order to gain an even better understanding of the mechanisms behind anastomotic failure in the future. The researchers see this as an important step towards smarter implants and safer surgical care.

Original Publication:

D. Wahl, F. Jaekel, J. Henne, et al. “Real-Time In Vivo Monitoring of Anastomotic Intestinal Ischemia Using Implantable Resorbable Organic Sensors.” Adv. Sci. (2025): e14507. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202514507