High-Performance Triboelectric Stent Sensor with Nitinol-Based Chemical Design

This study investigates the integration of triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) technology into medical applications, addressing the critical need for self-sustaining medical devices in light of heart disease being the leading cause of death in the United States. We introduce a nitinol health monitor sensor (NHMS) that utilizes shape-memory nitinol electrodes to maintain structural integrity, while PDMS and PVDF materials generate the necessary triboelectric effect for monitoring vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing patterns. The NHMS was tested under three constant pressure levels, yielding an average AC output of 0.31 volts at stage 1, 0.49 volts at stage 2, and 0.71 volts at stage 3. The device accurately recorded heart rates ranging from 30 to 180 beats per minute (bpm). Additionally, the potential for energy harvesting and the device's applicability as a defibrillator were explored. The implications of these findings for advancing medical monitoring and energy-efficient healthcare technologies are discussed.