PyroSENSE: Monitorização contínua de complicações cardiovasculares utilizando soluções de tecnologia avançada baseadas em sensores piroelétricos implantáveis

PyroSENSE project represents a significant advancement in SMART STENTS technology, aiming to revolutionize the monitorization of post-stenting procedure associated complications and improve the patient’s quality of life. Given that many arterial blockages are asymptomatic and only manifest late, this innovative approach promises to provide timely medical assistance for patients, thereby addressing critical healthcare needs in cardiovascular interventions. The main PyroSENSE project goal is to develop a SMART STENT, known as the PyroSTENT, which will be assembled with a sensor capable of detecting subtle temperature fluctuations related to biological events like clotting, biofilm formation, and cell proliferation. The PyroSTENT will launch a new era on SMART STENTS devices, addressing limitations seen in existing stent-coupled sensors that rely on impedance or pressure measurements. These limitations include the need for large monitoring systems to interpret sensor data, challenges related to biocompatibility assessment of the sensors, and other issues hindering real-world implantation efficiency. PyroSENSE is a multidisciplinary project that integrates nanomaterials, engineering, and biomedical expertise. The PyroSENSE diverse tasks are expected to yield valuable outputs, fostering the creation of novel products like innovative stretchable pyroelectric inks. These achievements have the potential for broader applications beyond stent technology, showcasing the project's capacity to drive innovation and knowledge development across various fields. The stated objectives of the PyroSENSE project are as follows: • Enhancing the output of pyroelectric nanomaterials by combining them with other nanomaterials – fabrication of nanocomposites – which can also be implemented in various studies or products. • Formulation of pyroelectric inks with biocompatibility for use in biological systems. These optimized inks, suitable for coating industrial methods, can also be used in diverse applications in other fields. • Implementing pyroelectric sensors through simple and cost-effective industrial coating processes directly into the stent mesh. This approach enables the production of cost-effective SMART STENTS on a large scale. • Exploring the dual functionality of the employed nanomaterials, leveraging their pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties to create a single sensor capable of detecting temperature fluctuations and/or flow/pressure perturbations. The energy generated by this dual functionality enables self-powering of the system, leading to a more autonomous and sustainable approach.