Technology Overview
Challenge
Currently, there are a limited number of methods for communicating with implanted medical devices and nanobiosensors. This lack in communication with medical implants leads to an uncertainty of conditions that might present themselves post-surgery (e.g. infections, foreign body reaction, or implant malfunction). Traditional methods of communicating from within the body is either radio frequency identification (RFID) or wire/tethered connection. These methods are flawed by signal interference (with metallic implants or external sources), power supply, and data security. Therefore, there exists a need to enable and enhance communication with implanted medical devices. Through the combined efforts Ortho-tag introduces the next frontier of medicine with in-body communication and biosensing on the nanoscale.
Solution
The Ortho-tag platform replaces traditional RFID technology with its ability to provide Volume Conduction Technology (VCT). This is established by replacing the typical air substrate with human tissue,
and in doing so, prevents standard RFID equipment from accessing the information stored within the Ortho-tag platform. With VCT, Ortho-tag delivers high level data security, without the concern of signal interference, or the use of an internal battery. Additionally, the versatility of the Ortho-tag platform allows it to be fitted with a variety of nanobiosensors (i.e. pH monitors, thermometers, etc.) to accurately monitor the patient’s condition in real-time.