Smart gastrointestinal interventions

Brief description of the context of the research including potential impact

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is the most common digestive health condition and affects between 8%-26% of UK adults with a strong perception by experts that this prevalence is increasing worldwide. A reported 250,000-270,000 cases require medical attention by a General Practitioner in the UK. In 2004, approximately £750m was spent by the NHS for diagnostic of GORD. The current technology for diagnosis is either via the use of a nasoesophagael pH catheter to measure oesophageal acid exposure which causes nasal, oral and pharyngeal discomfort or via the use of a telemetric system, the Bravo pH capsule. Bravo capsule diagnosis enables in situ monitoring of data from the human body using an invasive procedure where the capsule is inserted via a catheter through the pharynx and is mechanically mounted to the gastro-intestinal tract. Issues with this technology, are that studies have shown that the two methods often do not record identical values and that patients experience discomfort during the diagnosis period owing to the large size of the Bravo capsule (25mm in length). With this technology, diagnosis for adults with permanent GORD takes on average 2-7 sessions spanning over several days or weeks and causes stress on the NHS. Further, the discomfort experienced by some patients during diagnosis led to limitations in dietary and physical activity which are known triggers to GORD and may have led to inaccurate diagnoses. This arises the need for a smaller, more accurate pH sensing nano-sensor which would overcome the discomfort patients feel for a more accurate diagnosis.

Aims and Objectives

-The specific objectives are to:

- Use advanced manufacturing techniques to produce a low-cost, accurate, printed, pH sensing nano-sensor.
- Wireless communication ability linked to a complementary mobile application.
- Apply artificial intelligence algorithms for signal processing and long-term stability.

Novelty of Research Methodology

This topic will use new classes of electronics nanotechnology which can enable imperceptible in situ sensing. High-resolution 3D printing has the potential to produce such wearable nano-sensors that are miniature and flexible, but will require signal processing via integrated nano-circuits and artificial intelligence to enable smart gastrointestinal intervention envisioned here.

Alignment to EPSRC's strategies and research areas

This project lies within the healthcare technology theme and lies within the following grand challenges:
Frontiers of Physical Intervention
Optimising Treatment

It aims to provide a low-cost, implantable diagnostic nanoscale device, with a clear emphasis on advanced nanomanufacturing and artificial intelligence technologies. Therefore, the project fits EPSRC remit extremely well.

Any companies or collaborators involved

Professor Laurence Lovat and Dr. Sarmed S. Sami

The critical mass of scientists and engineers that i4health will produce will ensure the UK's continued standing as a world-leader in medical imaging and healthcare technology research. In addition to continued academic excellence, they will further support a future culture of industry and entrepreneurship in healthcare technologies driven by highly trained engineers with deep understanding of the key factors involved in delivering effective translatable and marketable technology. They will achieve this through high quality engineering and imaging science, a broad view of other relevant technological areas, the ability to pinpoint clinical gaps and needs, consideration of clinical user requirements, and patient considerations. Our graduates will provide the drive, determination and enthusiasm to build future UK industry in this vital area via start-ups and spin-outs adding to the burgeoning community of healthcare-related SMEs in London and the rest of the UK. The training in entrepreneurship, coupled with the vibrant environment we are developing for this topic via unique linkage of Engineering and Medicine at UCL, is specifically designed to foster such outcomes. These same innovative leaders will bolster the UK's presence in medical multinationals - pharmaceutical companies, scanner manufacturers, etc. - and ensure the UK's competitiveness as a location for future R&D and medical engineering. They will also provide an invaluable source of expertise for the future NHS and other healthcare-delivery services enabling rapid translation and uptake of the latest imaging and healthcare technologies at the clinical front line. The ultimate impact will be on people and patients, both in the UK and internationally, who will benefit from the increased knowledge of health and disease, as well as better treatment and healthcare management provided by the future technologies our trainees will produce.

In addition to impact in healthcare research, development, and capability, the CDT will have major impact on the students we will attract and train. We will provide our talented cohorts of students with the skills required to lead academic research in this area, to lead industrial development and to make a significant impact as advocates of the science and engineering of their discipline. The i4health CDT's combination of the highest academic standards of research with excellent in-depth training in core skills will mean that our cohorts of students will be in great demand placing them in a powerful position to sculpt their own careers, have major impact within our discipline, while influencing the international mindset and direction. Strong evidence demonstrates this in our existing cohorts of students through high levels of conference podium talks in the most prestigious venues in our field, conference prizes, high impact publications in both engineering, clinical, and general science journals, as well as post-PhD fellowships and career progression. The content and training innovations we propose in i4health will ensure this continues and expands over the next decade.