Introducing the first device that simultaneously monitors the health of a transplanted organ

In organ transplants, it usually takes a few weeks to determine whether the transplanted organ is compatible with the body or not. But scientists at Northwestern University have successfully created a device tested in mice that can detect warning signs of kidney rejection up to three weeks earlier than current monitoring methods.

The device is equipped with a highly sensitive thermometer that can detect small temperature changes.

While a body can reject an organ even years after transplantation, giving the patient and clinicians as much time as possible to intervene can be the difference between restoring homeostasis and starting the long and difficult transplant process over again. Therefore, being able to constantly monitor the health of a new and valuable kidney can change patients’ lives.

Measuring just 0.3 cm x 0.7 cm and 220 microns thick, this newly developed monitoring device is designed to sit on top of the kidney, under the fibrous renal capsule layer that surrounds and protects the organ. The soft implant allows detecting temperature changes due to inflammation and other responses commonly seen in early rejection. If a change is detected, it sends an alert wirelessly to a nearby smartphone or tablet.

Since rejection often begins silently, this device can help alert the patient to significant changes in the absence of obvious symptoms. The study’s clinical lead, Northwestern Medicine transplant nephrologist Dr. Lorenzo Gallon, in his statement on the subject, said, “I noticed that many of my patients feel constant anxiety without knowing whether their body has rejected the transplanted organ. They may have waited for a transplant for years and finally received a transplant from a loved one or a deceased donor. However, they will spend the rest of their lives on the health of that organ.” “Our new device may provide some protection, and continuous monitoring can reassure patients.” He stated:

Northwestern researchers focused on temperature as an important biomarker of initial transplant rejection. Temperature increases usually accompany inflammation. Thus, they added a highly sensitive thermometer to the developed device, which can detect small temperature changes in the kidney. This device, which can also measure blood flow, is powered by a coin-cell battery, and its Bluetooth capabilities transfer data to nearby external smart devices. Placing the device on the organ ensures that it remains in place regardless of physical activity.