Flexible-Device Injector with a Microflap Array for Subcutaneously Implanting Flexible Medical Electronics

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Flexible and soft implantable electronics offer improved mechanical compatibility with biological tissues, reducing irritation and chronic damage.
• The inherent flexibility of these devices poses challenges for insertion through the skin due to insufficient stiffness.
• Current implantation methods may require additional materials like adhesives, complicating the process and release.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a novel flexible-device injector designed for subcutaneous implantation of flexible medical electronics.
• To address the challenge of inserting flexible implants by providing a device that maintains structural integrity during penetration.
• To demonstrate a method that eliminates the need for adhesives for implant release.

Main Methods:

• Development of a flexible-device injector featuring a customized blade and a microflap array.
• The microflap array securely holds the flexible implant during tissue penetration.
• Experimental characterization of the injection system's mechanical properties during insertion.

Main Results:

• Successful in vivo demonstration of subcutaneous implantation of flexible electronic sensors in live pig models.
• The microflap array effectively holds and releases flexible implants without additional adhesives.
• Characterization confirmed the mechanical feasibility of the injection system for soft tissue penetration.

Conclusions:

• The developed flexible-device injector enables efficient and minimally invasive subcutaneous implantation of flexible medical electronics.
• This technology enhances the practical feasibility of using advanced flexible implants in clinical settings.
• The system shows promise for reducing complications associated with implantable electronic devices.