Stents are implanted to keep arteries open and prevent heart attack, but a third of patients experience restenosis – or renewed narrowing of the artery – which can lead to complications and the need for further medical intervention.
Now, a team led by University of British Columbia electrical and computer engineering professor Kenichi Takahata has developed a “smart stent” that monitors subtle changes in the blood flow through the artery, detecting the narrowing in its earliest stages and making early diagnosis and treatment possible.
Ilika plc (LON: IKA) is a pioneer in materials innovation and has been inventing new materials for energy and electronics applications for over a decade, including in automotive, aeronautical and electronic components sectors. Global brands such as Rolls Royce and Toyota have long term collaborations with Ilika’s development teams.