The team from the Department of Electronic Engineering and the Department of Chemical Materials, STUST, in collaboration with Chiayi Christian Hospital and National Cheng Kung University Hospital, recently won two clinical innovation awards at the 20th National Innovation Awards. This year, there were more than 300 cases participating in the competition, jointly selected and recommended by 90 medical authorities, scientific research leaders, and industrial technology experts. This competition was organized by the National Association for the Promotion of Biotechnology and Medical Industry. The core spirit was to practice the application and value of scientific research innovation, connect cross-domain and cross-border innovative cooperation and common prosperity, and accelerate the connection between scientific research and industry, market, capital and international linkage. It was the highest indicator award for domestic innovation competition in the field of biomedicine and general health.

【The work "Stretch-on Smart Tourniquet 2.0" won the Clinical Innovation Award: from left to right are Wei-cheng Chang, Jian-feng Li, Prof. Ming-zhe Chen, Deputy Director Wei-fang Wang, Prof. Yue-ru Liao, and Prof. Ying-nian Chou of the Hospital Nursing Department, National Cheng Kung University, and SPARK Project Manager Dr. Gen-gren Lin of National Cheng Kung University.】

The winning work "Stretch-on Smart Tourniquet 2.0" was created by the interdisciplinary team formed by Wei-cheng Chang and Jian-feng Li under the guidance of Prof. Ming-zhe Chen of the Department of Electronic Engineering, together with Lian-chiang Hong, Chi-hong Lin, Yi-shuan Li, Yi-shuan Tsai, and Yi-lin Chen under the guidance of Prof. Ying-nian Chou of the Department of Chemical and Materials, and the Nursing Department of National Cheng Kung University Hospital. The core of this work lies in the single-chip technology, which reads the changes in electrical signals of the stretching and retracting of the conductive yarn to monitor the usage status of the tourniquet in real time, eliminating the need for nursing staff to start the timer, automatically counting down, and transmitting the information to the management platform. This not only allows nursing staff to focus more on other clinical tasks, but also reduces the risk of complications caused by delayed tourniquet removal through a digital reminder system. Currently, this device is undergoing clinical trials at National Cheng Kung University Hospital and plans to further promote it to a wider range of medical institutions.

【The work "iThermos Digital Constant Temperature Peritoneal Dialysis Monitoring Device" won the Clinical Innovation Award: (From left to right) a group photo of Prof. Wan-rong Chang of STUST, Director Shin-shu Chou of Chiayi Christian Hospital Innovation and Incubation Center, Supervisor Shiang-jun Chen of Chiayi Christian Hospital and his colleagues, and Prof. Ming-zhe Chen.】

The award-winning work "iThermos Digital Constant Temperature Peritoneal Dialysis Monitoring Device" was developed by an interdisciplinary team composed of Prof. Wan-rong Chang and Prof. Ming-zhe Chen of the Department of Electronic Engineering, Prof. Kun Ouyang of the Department of Production and Engineering, and an interdisciplinary team composed of Supervisor Shang-jun Chen and Director Shin-su Chou of Chiayi Christian Hospital become. This work uses human factors engineering, Internet of Things technology, and AI deep learning to improve home dialysis treatment. Its innovative preheating technology can accurately heat the dialysate to 37°C in just 15-20 minutes and precisely control it through intelligent monitoring. The amount of medicine injected, and AI-assisted interpretation of the turbidity of the waste fluid can help patients identify the risk of any complications early. With an accuracy of 97% and comprehensive solutions, it provides peritoneal dialysis patients with a more comfortable and precise daily treatment experience. Cheng-wen Wu, President of STUST, said that this award not only represents an affirmation of the hard work and innovation ability of students and teachers, but also shows that STUST’s research and application in the field of biotechnology and medical care has reached national recognition. This achievement also encourages us to continue to promote cross-field cooperation, strengthen the integration of industry, academia, and research, and invest more resources in innovative research. We look forward to receiving more such honors in the future, enhancing STUST’s academic status, and making more substantial contributions to our society.