Wirelessly powered deformable electronic stent for noninvasive electrical stimulation of lower esophageal sphincter
Chong Zhang, Chengfeng Pan, Kai Fung Chan, Jinyang Gao, Zhengxin Yang, Kevin K. Leung, Dongdong Jin, Yuqiong Wang, Neng Xia, Zhipeng Ning, Xin Wang, Shuai Jiang, Zifeng Zhang, Qinglong Wang, Bo Hao, Philip Wai Yan Chiu, Li Zhang
Abstract
Electrical stimulation is a promising method to modulate gastrointestinal disorders. However, conventional stimulators need invasive implantation and removal surgeries associated with risks of infection and secondary injuries. Here, we report a battery-free and deformable electronic esophageal stent for wireless stimulation of the lower esophageal sphincter in a noninvasive fashion. The stent consists of an elastic receiver antenna infilled with liquid metal (eutectic gallium-indium), a superelastic nitinol stent skeleton, and a stretchable pulse generator that jointly enables 150% axial elongation and 50% radial compression for transoral delivery through the narrow esophagus. The compliant stent adaptive to the dynamic environment of the esophagus can wirelessly harvest energy through deep tissue. Continuous electrical stimulations delivered by the stent in vivo using pig models significantly increase the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter. The electronic stent provides a noninvasive platform for bioelectronic therapies in the gastrointestinal tract without the need for open surgery.