A Microfluidic Biosensor for Monitoring Post-Operative Drainage Fluid

Anastomotic Leakage is a common complication that can occur shortly after surgery and lead to increased mortality rates if it is detected too late. The current method of detection relies on monitoring clinical symptoms and visual inspection of the surgical drain fluid, but this process is often delayed and reactive. NERv Technology Inc. is dedicated to developing a system that can continuously monitor the contents of the drain output for a long period of time (i.e. ~ 10 days), and provide early detection of key biomarkers that indicate anastomotic leakage. Amylase is one of the key biomarkers associated with anastomotic leakage. This project proposes to develop a microfluidic-based amylase biosensor that is compatible with NERv’s existing system for inline monitoring the surgical drain output by leveraging Dr. Ren’s expertise and technical know-how in microfluidics and electrical sensing and NERv’s expertise and knowledge about anastomotic leakage problem.

Faculty Supervisor:

Carolyn Ren

Student:

Partner:

FluidAI Medical

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: