| Abstract Scope |
Central airway obstruction is a life-threatening condition caused by the narrowing of the trachea due to tumors, strictures, or inflammation. Traditional airway stents are commonly used to mechanically expand the airways but lack real-time monitoring capabilities and cannot assess airway conditions such as mucus accumulation, or tissue stiffening. Clinicians rely on periodic imaging or patient-reported symptoms, which may delay timely interventions and increase the risk of complications. To address these challenges, we propose a sensory airway stent equipped with tiny magnetically actuated sensors that enable chip-free sensing of airway conditions, which respond to external magnetic fields, generating resonance-based signals detected wirelessly using a Vector Network Analyzer. The system can assess key physiological properties, such as mucus viscosity and tissue stiffness, in real time. By integrating smart sensing functionalities into airway stents, this approach enhances airway management, enables timely therapeutic interventions, and paves the way for more personalized respiratory care solutions. |