Industrial Technology Research Institute

Technology Overview

This technology integrates a micro-sensor and a sensor-tag transponder within a conventional suture anchor. By utilizing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, the implant achieves wireless power charging and data transmission, enabling real-time monitoring of suture tension variation. This innovation assists physicians in accurately assessing tendon healing status, preventing post-operative re-tears or tissue adhesion, and providing patients with superior post-surgical evaluation and care.

Features & Specifications

Features

The proposed smart implant is applied for tension-monitoring devices for orthopedics. Using a suture anchor as the application carrier, it integrates a micro force-sensing unit, an NFC sensor-tag transponder, and is combined with sutures. Its core innovation lies in its ability to transmit sensory data to an external reader in real-time during and after surgery, without altering existing surgical procedures.

Specifications

• System Miniaturization: System module miniaturization is achieved by integrating the suture anchor, a specialized load-bearing structure with force sensors, an NFC transponder, and a micro-antenna.
• Integrated Battery-Free/Wireless Communication/Sensing Technology: Integration of NFC (13.56MHz) SOC with signal amplification and voltage-stabilizing circuit of sensor, developing the innovative tension-monitoring smart implant for orthopedics
• Specialized Design of Sensing Structure: A unique "spring-like load-bearing structure" is employed, capable of measuring a force range from 0 to 40N (approx. 4 KGF)

Applications & Benefits

Smart implants provide physicians and patients with real-time data, allowing the physicians to actively monitor and evaluate intra-operative and post-operative recovery conditions from outside the body. It enables the delivery of more precise services throughout the treatment process, effectively reducing the probability of re-operation and consequently lowering overall treatment costs. Furthermore, the data collected by the smart implant will serve as a valuable clinical asset, contributing to the continuous improvement of implant design, optimization of surgical protocols, and the development of more effective post-operative rehabilitation strategies, facilitating sustainable product upgrades.

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