Multi-sensor system for knee implants:
detects infection and facilitates surgery and rehabilitation
What is FollowKnee?
CEA-Leti introduces FollowKnee, a smart integrated multisensor system for knee implants that drastically reduces the risk of revision surgery.
FollowKnee provides reliable data leveraging three sensors and an accelerometer. The data collected facilitates knee surgery, post-op care, and rehabilitation:
- More accurate fitting: Deformation sensor and accelerometer: help the surgeon position the implant more accurately.
- Early detection of infection: pH and temperaturesensors: detect infection early, a world first.
- Detection of mechanical troubles issues: Deformation sensor and accelerometer: trigger an alert in the event of loosening or deformation.
- Better rehabilitation: Accelerometer and deformation sensor help physiotherapist better adapt therapy.
Applications
- Knee replacement
- Hip replacement
- Shoulder replacement
What's new?
CEA-Leti's team leveraged its solid expertise in sensor and integration technologies to develop:
- The first pH sensor in contact with living tissue to detect infection
- The first low-power deformation sensor
- A biocompatible system
- Highly compact electronics powered via inductive coupling
The sensors and electronics are integrated into the titanium tibial baseplate.
What's next?
- Mechanical and functional testing in progress
- Partnership with the University hospital, Brest, France
- Additive manufacturing (3D printing) of FollowKnee
- An augmented reality surgical assistance solution to improve fitting of the implant