Creating a wireless patch to monitor and treat surgical flaps after surgery
Official title: Development and validation of a wireless patch for post-surgical monitoring and electrotherapy of surgical flaps
Funded at Sagespectra INC. · NIH-11004044 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new wireless patch that helps keep an eye on the healing of surgical areas after breast reconstruction by checking things like oxygen levels and temperature, while also providing gentle therapy to speed up healing, so you can recover comfortably at home instead of in the hospital.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sagespectra INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Conroe, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $349,869 |
| NIH project number | 1R43GM156112-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004044 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have undergone surgical flap procedures, particularly those at risk for complications post-surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had surgical flaps or those with contraindications for electrotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a wireless patch that can monitor the health of surgical flaps after procedures like breast reconstruction. The patch will track important indicators such as tissue oxygenation, temperature, and swelling, which can signal potential complications like vascular occlusions or infections. Additionally, it will provide electrotherapy to promote wound healing, allowing for real-time monitoring and treatment without requiring patients to stay in the hospital. This innovative approach aims to reduce flap failures and improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the rate of surgical flap failures and improve recovery for patients undergoing reconstructive surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using a wireless patch for monitoring and electrotherapy is innovative, similar technologies have shown promise in other areas of patient monitoring and treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Sagespectra INC.
Conroe, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heck, Madison — Sagespectra INC.
- Study coordinator: Heck, Madison
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.