Whether in hospital, at the GP, measuring blood pressure, ultrasound or pacemakers – we have all relied on the precise work of sensors in medical devices. As a rule, we simply assume that the sensors measure correctly and determine the correct values. And indeed, modern sensors work more precisely and reliably than ever before. This is thanks to high-quality materials, the latest manufacturing processes and innovative measuring techniques.
Sensors are basically aids or components that can detect certain chemical or physical changes in state. In this way, a variety of values of the human body and its environment can be measured in different ways. Classic examples of frequently used sensors in medicine are temperature measurement using a thermometer, ECG (electrocardiogram, measurement of heart rate) and EEG (electroencephalography, measurement of brain waves). But sensors can do much more.
Sensors could prevent pressure sores
People who are restricted in their movement and spend most of their time lying in bed are at high risk of developing pressure sores. Prolonged lying in the same position leads to persistent pressure on a specific area of skin. The result is a lack of blood circulation and, in the worst case, tissue death.
In the "ProTex" project, researchers from the Swiss Empa, the University of Bern, the OST University of Applied Sciences and Bischoff Textil AG in St. Gallen have developed a sensor system made of smart textiles with associated data analysis in real time. "The skin-compatible textile sensors contain two different functional polymer fibers,” says Empa researcher Luciano Boesel from the "Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles" laboratory in St. Gallen. In addition to pressure-sensitive fibers, the researchers integrated light-conducting polymer fibers (POFs), which are used to measure oxygen. "As soon as the oxygen content in the skin drops, the highly sensitive sensor system signals an increasing risk of tissue damage," explains Boesel. The data is then transmitted directly to the patient or nursing staff. This allows lying patients to be repositioned in good time before the tissue is damaged.
The underlying technology includes an innovative microfluidic wet spinning process for the production of POFs. It enables precise control of the polymer components in the micrometer range and smoother, more environmentally friendly processing of the fibers.