SMI (Silicon Microstructures, Inc.), a subsidiary of Elmos, has signed a cooperation agreement with scientists from the TU Hamburg and the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. The goal is the cooperation in the field of wireless sensor tumor implants. With the wireless sensors, for example, the effectiveness of chemotherapy for cancer can be optimized. The cooperation partners, Prof. Wolfgang Krautschneider, Prof. Udo Schumacher and Dr. Christine Stürken, have been active in medical technology, cancer research and therapy for many years and contribute their extensive technical and medical knowledge to the cooperation.
A first project goal will be to directly access temperature and pressure measurements in a tumor with wireless technology. It is planned to implant a very small sensor directly into the tumor tissue. This electronic implant system allows the attending physician to effectively adjust therapy in response to changing pressures conditions and temperatures in the tumor. This work is based on current studies of the Institute for Experimental Medicine of the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, amongst others.
So far, the effectiveness of chemotherapy can only be determined by imaging techniques, mainly computed tomography. However, this procedure is both costly and exposes patients to radiation. Therefore, it provides only snapshots in time, with the medical team unsure of the tumors behavior between diagnoses. The new sensor allows continuous monitoring and does not burden the patient.
SMI has over 25 years’ experience in the development and production of pressure sensors. The company offers the most sensitive and smallest MEMS pressure sensors available worldwide. The highlight of the product portfolio is the IntraSense® product family. It simplifies direct pressure measurement in the human body, including monitoring of intravascular or intracranial pressure. Sizing less than 1 French (equivalent to 1 / 3mm diameter) allows for easy system integration. The products are designed to enable accurate in vivo pressure measurement in many minimally invasive devices, including catheters and endoscopes. To ensure easy system integration, the sensor can be exposed directly to various body fluids without the need for encapsulation. The complementary competencies of the medical teams and the sensor experts from SMI enable completely new therapeutic options in the sense of an Industry 4.0-based therapy concept.
About SMI
SMI is a subsidiary of Elmos Semiconductor AG. SMI is IATF16949: 2016 certified and a leading developer and manufacturer of MEMS-based pressure sensors for a variety of markets.
About Elmos Semiconductor AG
Elmos develops, produces and markets semiconductors and sensors, primarily for use in the automotive industry. Our components communicate, measure, regulate and control safety, comfort, powertrain and network functions. For over 30 years, Elmos innovations have been bringing new functions to life and making mobility worldwide safer, more comfortable and more energy efficient.