The Health Innovation Via Engineering (HIVE) Laboratory, in collaboration with a consortium of leading institutions and companies, is proud to introduce the DigiStent project, a pioneering initiative set to revolutionize the field of medical devices with the development of the world’s first wireless digital stent platform. This groundbreaking project has been awarded €4 million by Enterprise Ireland under the DTIF Call 6, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of medical technology.

The DigiStent project is a collaborative effort between Galway firm ÉireComposites, University of Galway, and OpenText. This initiative aims to address a critical challenge in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms, which carry an 80-90% risk of immediate death if ruptured. The current treatment, Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR), involves the insertion of a stent but suffers from a failure rate of approximately 30%. The DigiStent project seeks to mitigate this risk through the development of a wireless digital medical device that predicts device failure, offering a new layer of security and peace of mind for patients and healthcare providers alike.

The DigiStent leverages cutting-edge technology, including novel materials, manufacturing techniques, AI-based analytics, and bio-sensor modeling and integration. This AI-driven solution will provide continuous dynamic monitoring of the inserted stent, ensuring greater than 95% data accuracy. This not only represents a significant technological advancement but also a critical step forward in patient care, allowing for early detection of potential issues and timely intervention.

Set to run over the course of three years, the DigiStent project aligns with several National Strategic Objectives and directly supports the Government of Ireland’s Research Priority Areas 2018-2023, focusing on health and medical devices. Additionally, it contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. The project’s national and international impact is poised to be profound, setting new standards in medical device innovation and patient care.