Post-Operative Monitoring of Intestinal Tissue Oxygenation Using an Implantable Microfabricated Oxygen Sensor

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a common and dangerous post-operative complication following intestinal resection, causing substantial morbidity and mortality. Ischaemia in the tissue surrounding the anastomosis is a major risk-factor for AL development. Continuous tissue oxygenation monitoring during t...

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Main Authors: Jamie R. K. Marland, Mark E. Gray, David J. Argyle, Ian Underwood, Alan F. Murray, Mark A. Potter
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-07-01
Series:Micromachines
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2072-666X/12/7/810
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author Jamie R. K. Marland
Mark E. Gray
David J. Argyle
Ian Underwood
Alan F. Murray
Mark A. Potter
author_facet Jamie R. K. Marland
Mark E. Gray
David J. Argyle
Ian Underwood
Alan F. Murray
Mark A. Potter
author_sort Jamie R. K. Marland
collection DOAJ
description Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a common and dangerous post-operative complication following intestinal resection, causing substantial morbidity and mortality. Ischaemia in the tissue surrounding the anastomosis is a major risk-factor for AL development. Continuous tissue oxygenation monitoring during the post-operative recovery period would provide early and accurate early identification of AL risk. We describe the construction and testing of a miniature implantable electrochemical oxygen sensor that addresses this need. It consisted of an array of platinum microelectrodes, microfabricated on a silicon substrate, with a poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogel membrane to protect the sensor surface. The sensor was encapsulated in a biocompatible package with a wired connection to external instrumentation. It gave a sensitive and highly linear response to variations in oxygen partial pressure in vitro, although over time its sensitivity was partially decreased by protein biofouling. Using a pre-clinical in vivo pig model, acute intestinal ischaemia was robustly and accurately detected by the sensor. Graded changes in tissue oxygenation were also measurable, with relative differences detected more accurately than absolute differences. Finally, we demonstrated its suitability for continuous monitoring of tissue oxygenation at a colorectal anastomosis over a period of at least 45 h. This study provides evidence to support the development and use of implantable electrochemical oxygen sensors for post-operative monitoring of anastomosis oxygenation.
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spelling doaj.art-9eb22ce451e94ab28cd735b52465de2d2023-11-22T04:24:53ZengMDPI AGMicromachines2072-666X2021-07-0112781010.3390/mi12070810Post-Operative Monitoring of Intestinal Tissue Oxygenation Using an Implantable Microfabricated Oxygen SensorJamie R. K. Marland0Mark E. Gray1David J. Argyle2Ian Underwood3Alan F. Murray4Mark A. Potter5School of Engineering, Institute for Integrated Micro and Nano Systems, University of Edinburgh, Scottish Microelectronics Centre, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UKThe Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UKThe Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UKSchool of Engineering, Institute for Integrated Micro and Nano Systems, University of Edinburgh, Scottish Microelectronics Centre, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, UKSchool of Engineering, Institute for Bioengineering, University of Edinburgh, Faraday Building, Edinburgh EH9 3DW, UKDepartment of Surgery, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UKAnastomotic leakage (AL) is a common and dangerous post-operative complication following intestinal resection, causing substantial morbidity and mortality. Ischaemia in the tissue surrounding the anastomosis is a major risk-factor for AL development. Continuous tissue oxygenation monitoring during the post-operative recovery period would provide early and accurate early identification of AL risk. We describe the construction and testing of a miniature implantable electrochemical oxygen sensor that addresses this need. It consisted of an array of platinum microelectrodes, microfabricated on a silicon substrate, with a poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogel membrane to protect the sensor surface. The sensor was encapsulated in a biocompatible package with a wired connection to external instrumentation. It gave a sensitive and highly linear response to variations in oxygen partial pressure in vitro, although over time its sensitivity was partially decreased by protein biofouling. Using a pre-clinical in vivo pig model, acute intestinal ischaemia was robustly and accurately detected by the sensor. Graded changes in tissue oxygenation were also measurable, with relative differences detected more accurately than absolute differences. Finally, we demonstrated its suitability for continuous monitoring of tissue oxygenation at a colorectal anastomosis over a period of at least 45 h. This study provides evidence to support the development and use of implantable electrochemical oxygen sensors for post-operative monitoring of anastomosis oxygenation.https://www.mdpi.com/2072-666X/12/7/810oxygen sensorelectrochemicalmicrofabricatedoxygenationanastomotic leakage
spellingShingle Jamie R. K. Marland
Mark E. Gray
David J. Argyle
Ian Underwood
Alan F. Murray
Mark A. Potter
Post-Operative Monitoring of Intestinal Tissue Oxygenation Using an Implantable Microfabricated Oxygen Sensor
Micromachines
oxygen sensor
electrochemical
microfabricated
oxygenation
anastomotic leakage
title Post-Operative Monitoring of Intestinal Tissue Oxygenation Using an Implantable Microfabricated Oxygen Sensor
title_full Post-Operative Monitoring of Intestinal Tissue Oxygenation Using an Implantable Microfabricated Oxygen Sensor
title_fullStr Post-Operative Monitoring of Intestinal Tissue Oxygenation Using an Implantable Microfabricated Oxygen Sensor
title_full_unstemmed Post-Operative Monitoring of Intestinal Tissue Oxygenation Using an Implantable Microfabricated Oxygen Sensor
title_short Post-Operative Monitoring of Intestinal Tissue Oxygenation Using an Implantable Microfabricated Oxygen Sensor
title_sort post operative monitoring of intestinal tissue oxygenation using an implantable microfabricated oxygen sensor
topic oxygen sensor
electrochemical
microfabricated
oxygenation
anastomotic leakage
url https://www.mdpi.com/2072-666X/12/7/810
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