Cook, IU Explore Smart Fibers in Medical Devices
Smart fibers with sensors distributed along their length can be incorporated into medical devices. (image courtesy: IU/FAMES lab)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Indiana University Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering and Bloomington-based Cook Medical have forged a research agreement to explore the use of smart fibers in medical devices developed by Cook. IU says the Fibers and Additive Manufacturing Enabled Systems Laboratory and Cook will collaborate on miniscule fibers that deliver sensors for catheters and endoscopes.
The partners say the sensors monitor for physiological parameters in patients.
“There are many challenges in using sensors in minimally invasive devices,” said Alexander Gumennik, an assistant professor of intelligent systems engineering at the Luddy School and director of the FAMES Lab. “This partnership will allow us to leverage our core smart fiber technology and key products in Cook’s portfolio to create solutions to these challenges, such as sensor function, incorporation and signal processing, and connection to appropriate monitors for the use of medical doctors.
“Adding sensors to minimally invasive devices and implants will provide data to clinicians to not only improve care but potentially help our engineers improve device safety and performance in future products,” said Sean Chambers, director of Cook Medical’s New Ventures Corporate Research Program.
Gumennik says technology at the FAMES Lab allows for the embedding of integrated micro- or nano-sensors in a fiber and distribute along its length. He says measuring health parameters in multiple locations along the catheter or endoscope rather than in just one spot at its end provides more complete information about a patient’s well-being.