Licensing opportunity
The Basque Ikerlan technology research centre in Spain has patented a device that makes it possible to monitor the precise state of a human organ between removal from the donor and transplant into the recipient.
The device uses a microelectrode inserted into the organ to measure the impedance and temperature of the tissue. An integrated system gathers the data and transmits it, enabling the condition of the organ to be monitored at all times.
The device was designed in collaboration with the National Centre for Microtechnology and industry partner Carburos Metálicos, and patented in conjunction with I2M Design S.A.
A number of prototypes have been tested with organs from animals at Barcelona’s Hospital Clínic.
Spain, which operates a system of presumed consent to organ donation, has one of the highest rates of transplants in the world.
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