Partners: University of Galway & OpenText
Funding: DTIF
Disclaimer: The consortium has received €4m from Enterprise Ireland under the DTIF Call 6.
Project Background:
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA) pose a significant threat, with a mortality rate of 80-90% upon rupture. Each year, 200,000 men over the age of 55 are diagnosed with AAA in the United States. Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) is a common treatment option, which involves inserting a stent to reinforce the weakened section of the aorta. However, EVAR has a failure rate of approximately 30%, and 37% of these failures result in patient death. DigiStent is introduced as a solution to address the shortcomings of current stent technology.
DigiStent Objectives:
DigiStent is an AI-driven wireless digital stent solution designed to monitor abdominal aorta stents in real-time. Its main objective is to provide continuous, dynamic monitoring for the early detection of endoleaks, helping predict failure modes and rates with over 95% accuracy. By integrating novel materials, bio-sensors, and AI-based analytics, DigiStent aims to become the world’s first wireless stent platform that offers predictive data with a high degree of accuracy.The DigiStent project has been reviewed by an international panel of experts, confirming its novelty and clinical potential. It aligns with various National Strategic Objectives, including the Government of Ireland’s Research Priority Areas 2018-2023, which prioritize advancements in health and medical devices.
Project Partners:
DigiStent’s success is underpinned by collaboration with key partners including the University of Galway, renowned for its research and technological innovation, and OpenText, a leader in complex digital transformation programs. ÉireComposites brings expertise in advanced materials and manufacturing processes, essential for developing durable and efficient stents capable of meeting stringent operational demands.
Expected Impacts:
DigiStent is expected to have significant national and international impacts. The technology will offer peace of mind to patients by providing early detection of potential stent failures, thereby reducing mortality rates. It will also help lower healthcare costs and contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 – ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all. The project is planned to run over a 3-year period.