Multi-modal Wearable Patch for Localized Monitoring of Post-operative Skin Flap Transplantation

Jie Luo, Yongjie Zhao, Yongqi Xu, Yanchen Shen, Yiyan Jiang, Wai Siong Chai, Gongyu Liu, Peng Wei, Hao Nan Li, Keli Duan, Sze Shin Low

Research output: Journal PublicationArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Monitoring the status of skin flap transplantation (SFT) is crucial for early intervention, particularly to mitigate risks, such as necrosis and complications arising from poor vascularization or infection. Current clinical practices for monitoring SFT rely on intermittent gauze removal, risking secondary injury and delayed complication detection. While wearable sensors have been proposed, existing systems lack simultaneous and multi-parameter monitoring, poor wearability, and the ability to localize complications within the flap. In this study, a novel multi-modal wearable patch (MMWP) was developed to monitor the essential recovery indicator reflective of the flap condition. The MMWP employed a distributed design with strain sensors in a tic-tac-toe pattern, temperature/percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) sensors around the grid, and a central humidity sensor, enabling zonal multi-parameter detection (2D spatial resolution: 20 mm × 20 mm). The MMWP exhibited high sensitivity in the strain sensor (15.1 kΩ mL-1), temperature sensor (47.63 Ω °C-1), humidity sensor (0.03 nF %-1), and SpO2 sensor (error <1% vs commercial oximeters). In a 14-day rat SFT model, the MMWP successfully localized uneven recovery between proximal and distal flap regions. Integrated with Bluetooth low energy (BLE) wireless transmission, this platform resolves the limitations of gauze-dependent monitoring and advances toward precision post-operative care.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)14968-14982
Number of pages15
JournalACS Applied Materials and Interfaces
Volume17
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 12 Mar 2025

Keywords

  • laser-induced graphene
  • localized detection
  • multi-modal sensor system
  • post-operative monitoring
  • skin flap transplantation
  • wireless feedback system

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science

Cite this