Multi-modal Wearable Patch for Localized Monitoring of Post-operative Skin Flap Transplantation.

Summary

The authors developed a multi-modal wearable patch with distributed strain sensing (tic-tac-toe layout) plus temperature and SpO2 sensing to continuously monitor skin flaps and localize complications within the flap. This platform addresses gaps in simultaneous multi-parameter monitoring, wearability, and spatial localization.

Key Findings

• Developed a distributed, tic-tac-toe strain sensor array integrated with temperature and percutaneous SpO2 sensing.
• Design enables simultaneous, multi-parameter monitoring of skin flaps with the ability to localize complications within the flap.
• Addresses limitations of prior wearable systems regarding wearability and spatial resolution.

Clinical Implications

If validated clinically, continuous, localized monitoring could reduce flap loss, minimize dressing disruptions, and standardize postoperative surveillance, potentially improving outcomes and resource use.

Limitations

• Early-stage engineering study; quantitative accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in clinical settings are not reported.
• Lack of prospective clinical trial data and validation across diverse flap types and patient populations.

Future Directions

Prospective clinical validation with gold-standard comparators (e.g., Doppler, ICG), algorithm development for automated alerts, and assessment of impact on flap salvage and workflow.