Millions of patients undergo gastrointestinal surgery annually, with anastomotic leaks occurring in around 10% of cases. Current detection methods lack sensitivity and specificity. This study presents a modular, intelligent suture support sealant patch for early leak detection and containment. pH and/or enzyme-responsive sensing elements are detectable via point-of-need ultrasound. The patch reliably detects leaks within 3 hours in intestinal and 15 minutes in gastric scenarios, paving the way for next-generation suture support materials.

Alexandre H. C. Anthis, Maria Paulene Abundo, Anna L. Neuer, Elena Tsolaki, Jachym Rosendorf, Thomas Rduch, Fabian H. L. Starsich, Bernhard Weisse, Vaclav Liska, Andrea A. Schlegel, Mikhail G. Shapiro, Inge K. Herrmann