Laser-microstructured piezocapacitive system: A wireless platform for quantitative assessment of wound flatness

Abstract

Postoperative wound management is a critical determinant of recovery in plastic surgery and burn care, where accurate assessment of wound flatness plays a central role. Yet, current evaluation remains largely subjective, relying on clinical experience rather than quantitative metrics. Here, we present a laser-microstructured piezocapacitive system: a compact, fully integrated wireless platform that is encapsulated in soft, biocompatible materials for the high-resolution, real-time monitoring of wound topography. The device incorporates a tetherless, femtosecond-laser-fabricated microstructured sensor that achieves submillimeter resolution (<0.1 mm) and maintains stable performance over 10 000 operation cycles. Wireless interfacing with mobile clients or server networks enables continuous evaluation of sutured wound morphology and healing progression. This platform provides objective, quantitative data on wound flatness and mechanical profiles, offering actionable metrics to guide surgical decision-making and postoperative care. By bridging a critical gap in precision wound management, this technology holds significant potential for improving clinical outcomes and standardizing quality assessment in surgical practice.