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Flexible‐Device Injector with a Microflap Array for Subcutaneously Implanting Flexible Medical Electronics
Author(s) -
Song Kwangsun,
Kim Juho,
Cho Sungbum,
Kim Namyun,
Jung Dongwuk,
Choo Hyuck,
Lee Jongho
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
advanced healthcare materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.288
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 2192-2659
pISSN - 2192-2640
DOI - 10.1002/adhm.201800419
Subject(s) - injector , electronics , materials science , flexible electronics , biomedical engineering , stretchable electronics , flexibility (engineering) , nanotechnology , mechanical engineering , electrical engineering , engineering , statistics , mathematics
Implantable electronics in soft and flexible forms can reduce undesired outcomes such as irritations and chronic damages to surrounding biological tissues due to the improved mechanical compatibility with soft tissues. However, the same mechanical flexibility also makes it difficult to insert such implants through the skin because of reduced stiffness. In this paper, a flexible‐device injector that enables the subcutaneous implantation of flexible medical electronics is reported. The injector consists of a customized blade at the tip and a microflap array which holds the flexible implant while the injector penetrates through soft tissues. The microflap array eliminates the need of additional materials such as adhesives that require an extended period to release a flexible medical electronic implant from an injector inside the skin. The mechanical properties of the injection system during the insertion process are experimentally characterized, and the injection of a flexible optical pulse sensor and electrocardiogram sensor is successfully demonstrated in vivo in live pig animal models to establish the practical feasibility of the concept.