INTACT – Research of a smart analytical stoma pump

Surgical relief of the intestine due to disease or immaturity is not uncommon in neonates and preterm infants. However, this poses risks in the form of possible infections, liver failure, and potential nutritional and developmental disorders. Currently, often only a portion of the intestinal contents can be collected, and compositional analysis is also poorly ensured as a result.

However, crucial information about health status or nutrient uptake, and thus potential therapeutic options, can only be mapped by continuous knowledge of specific parameters (such as volume, solids and water content or composition). To ensure continuous transport and thus real-time analysis of the neonates' intestinal contents, INTACT is researching a miniaturized transport system with intelligent ultrasound- and photonics-based sensor technology. This will allow, for the first time, data to be collected at a frequency and quality that will indicate critical health conditions much earlier. INTACT aims to realize proper neonatal development by reducing post-stomatal intestinal stunting, promoting nutrient absorption and fetal growth, and facilitating subsequent repositioning.