Researchers at IIT Madras have developed and secured a patent for a new technique that can detect blood clot formation on medical implants. The method works by observing changes in reflected light on the surface of the implant.
This innovation will help manufacturers test new materials intended for medical implants, such as stents, heart valves, and catheters, before they are used in real patients. By identifying how materials interact with blood, developers can ensure that the implants are safe and do not trigger unwanted reactions like clotting.
The technique focuses on haemocompatibility, which is the ability of a material or device to interact with blood without causing negative effects, including blood clots. Haemocompatibility is a crucial factor to check before any material is used to make devices that come into direct contact with blood.
In addition to medical applications, the researchers claim that this method could also be useful in other areas, such as testing water purity or checking for contaminants in liquids. The new patent opens up possibilities for safer medical implants and practical applications in environmental testing.
Overall, this development is a significant step in improving medical device safety and exploring innovative uses of optical detection techniques.