# 130. A Spy In The Belly

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2023-07-11
- Length: 18m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-07-11-130-a-spy-in-the-belly
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/130-a-spy-in-the-belly-SEZDFrKD

## Summary

Daniel and Forbode discuss a non-invasive hydrogel patch developed by researchers at ETH Zurich and EMPA to detect leaks after abdominal surgery. The patch uses tantalum oxide to react with gastric fluids, creating CO2 bubbles detectable via CT or ultrasound, which are then analyzed by a computer vision algorithm. The hosts highlight how this technology addresses the high mortality rate of post-surgical leaks and could reduce hospital stays and healthcare costs.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-07-11-130-a-spy-in-the-belly#t=0) Introduction: The Problem of Abdominal Leaks
- [2:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-07-11-130-a-spy-in-the-belly#t=149) Limitations of Current Surgical Patches and Glues
- [4:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-07-11-130-a-spy-in-the-belly#t=252) The Hydrogel Patch and Non-Electronic Sensors
- [5:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-07-11-130-a-spy-in-the-belly#t=354) Detection Mechanism: Tantalum Oxide and CO2 Bubbles
- [7:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-07-11-130-a-spy-in-the-belly#t=465) Computer Vision Algorithm for Leak Detection
- [10:58](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-07-11-130-a-spy-in-the-belly#t=658) Patient Benefits: Reduced Hospital Stays and Costs
- [12:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-07-11-130-a-spy-in-the-belly#t=771) Future Outlook: Home Monitoring and Clinical Trials
- [16:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-07-11-130-a-spy-in-the-belly#t=1003) Conclusion: ELI5 Summary and Timeline Expectations

## Topics

- [Medical & health devices](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/medical-devices)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- ETH Zurich (company)
- EMPA (company)
- Wevolver (company)
- Neurolink (company)

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- [Ep 191: Researchers Parse Starlink, Switches Sense Muscles, and LFT Plays the Commodordion](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2022-10-28-ep-191-researchers-parse-starlink-switches-sense-muscles-and-lft-plays-the-commo) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Gregory Charvat and Three New Companies](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-09-17-gregory-charvat-and-three-new-companies) (The Amp Hour)
- [Ep 157: Airtag Security, Warped 3D Printing, Suturing Grapes with a DIY Robot Arm, and the Wizard's Calculator](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2022-02-25-ep-157-airtag-security-warped-3d-printing-suturing-grapes-with-a-diy-robot-arm-a) (Hackaday Podcast)

## Citing this page

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