Wirelessly powered deformable electronic stent for noninvasive electrical stimulation of lower esophageal sphincter

Abstract

Electrical stimulation is a promising method to modulate gastrointestinal disorders. However, conventional stimulators need invasive implantation and removal surgeries associated with risks of infection and secondary injuries. Here, we report a battery-free and deformable electronic esophageal stent for wireless stimulation of the lower esophageal sphincter in a noninvasive fashion. The stent consists of an elastic receiver antenna infilled with liquid metal (eutectic gallium-indium), a superelastic nitinol stent skeleton, and a stretchable pulse generator that jointly enables 150% axial elongation and 50% radial compression for transoral delivery through the narrow esophagus. The compliant stent adaptive to the dynamic environment of the esophagus can wirelessly harvest energy through deep tissue. Continuous electrical stimulations delivered by the stent in vivo using pig models significantly increase the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter. The electronic stent provides a noninvasive platform for bioelectronic therapies in the gastrointestinal tract without the need for open surgery.

Liquid Metal–Polymer Conductor-Based Conformal Cyborg Devices

“…Implantable organ conformal electronics have seen an accelerated pace of development in recent years due to the numerous advantages they offer. Our group and others are working on this direction at an accelerated pace over recent years to develop advanced high-performance electronics for biointegration. ,− These electronics could revolutionize the field of biomedical engineering, allowing for more effective treatments and therapies and improved quality of life for patients.…”

“…Other electrical therapy such as electrical stimulus has also been introduced. Recently, researchers report a wirelessly powered electronic stent for electrical stimulation of the lower esophageal sphincter . The conformal e-stent that adapts to the dynamic environment of the esophagus is composed of an elastic receiver antenna filled with liquid metal (eutectic gallium–indium), a superelastic nitinol stent frame, and a stretchable pulse generator that can collect energy wirelessly from deep tissues.…”

A Review of Recent Advancements in Sensor‐Integrated Medical Tools

“…For example, stretchable electronics are fused with the stent to enable versatile sensing and treatment functionalities. [ 198 ] Likewise, a stent with bioresorbable materials is actively utilized to reduce additional surgery or avoid stent restenosis. [ 199 ]…”

Magnetic Soft Matter toward Programmable and Multifunctional Miniature Machines

“…Reconfigurable soft machines are a class of flexible devices or robots with active control capability as well as inherent compliance, and promise enormous benefits in the applications of medical treatment, industrial detection, and micromanipulation. − Exploring the adaptability and multifunctionality of miniature soft machines has been a hot topic in the academic community. First, the capability of adapting to complex and changeable physical environments and chemical cues enables soft machines to complete challenging tasks. , In this regard, burgeoning efforts to develop responsive and programmable machines are emerging. , Second, endowing soft machines with multifunctionality could improve the efficiency of task execution and expand application scenarios, while it requires the ability to seamlessly integrate multiple heterogeneous units. − …”