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Biomedical engineering

Electronic oesophageal stent

Nature Reviews Bioengineering volume 1, page 234 (2023)Cite this article

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The gastrointestinal tract provides non-invasive access to the internal lumen of the body, where numerous health-related information can be obtained, such as biofluids and gastrointestinal motility. Additionally, some chronic gastroesophageal diseases need long-term in situ monitoring and treatment, which requires devices or implants to remain in the gastrointestinal tract.

In gastroesophageal reflux disease, the lower oesophageal sphincter does not close properly, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the oesophagus. This acid reflux can cause inflammation and irritation of the oesophageal lining, and, if left untreated, it can cause severe complications, including oesophageal cancer. Current treatments, such as proton pump inhibitors and fundoplication, are either ineffective or involve invasive surgery with potential side effects. Although electrical stimulation is an effective therapy, invasive implantable electrical stimulation devices carry risks of infection, secondary injuries and surgical complications.

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References

Original article

  • Zhang, C. et al. Wirelessly powered deformable electronic stent for noninvasive electrical stimulation of lower esophageal sphincter. Sci. Adv. 9, eade8622 (2023)

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  1. Nature Reviews Bioengineering https://www.nature.com/natrevbioeng/

    Nesma El-Sayed Ibrahim

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  1. Nesma El-Sayed Ibrahim
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Correspondence to Nesma El-Sayed Ibrahim.

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Ibrahim, N.ES. Electronic oesophageal stent. Nat Rev Bioeng 1, 234 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44222-023-00059-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s44222-023-00059-z

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