Photonic sensors in ophthalmological sutures

Start Date: 01/05/2022, End Date: 31/07/2025

The project "Photonic sensors in ophthalmological sutures-PHΑΕΤΗΟΝ" targets the development of a new type of surgical sutures, imparted with optical sensing functionalities for the in-situ measurement of strain parameter during tissues perforation. The project Photonic sensors in ophthalmological sutures-PHΑΕΤΗΟΝ targets –for the first time ever- the development of a new type of surgical sutures, imparted with optical sensing functionalities for the in-situ measurement of strain parameter during tissues perforation. The “smart sutures” developed in PHAETHON will be adapted for meeting the high needs of ophthalmological surgery, mostly targeting use during cornea tissue surgery, frequently met in cornea disk transplants and in glaucoma therapies; an application field of great socio-economical impact. Industrial partner: Athens Vision, Greece.

Efficient, stable, and reliable coupling of light inside standard commercial sutures, predominantly used for ophthalmological surgery, and measurement of their optical transparency during perforation in “in-vitro” ocular samples of animals
Development of a new type of ophthalmological sutures imparted with Bragg grating reflectors for on-line suture strain measurement, for operation during ophthalmological surgery, while emphasizing in cornea surgical operations
Development of optically sensing sutures to TRL5, while including tests in “in-vitro” ocular samples of animals
Use of laser radiation for post-surgical tuning of the mechanical properties of perforated sutures, for attempting the correction of refractive distortions in the transplanted cornea
Investigation of the commercial prospects and techno-medical impact of the optically sensing sutures of PHATHON project in ophthalmic surgery and other sectors of modern surgical practices