SanaHeal, a company founded by Hyunwoo Yuk in 2021, is developing a sticky material that could replace stitches in some operations. Developed at MIT, the material attaches to wet, uneven tissue within seconds and creates a seal that blocks air and fluids. The company hopes to make joining tissue more like applying tape.
Many operations require surgeons to connect pieces of tissue, including heart bypasses and hernia repairs. Small mistakes with stitches or staples can cause dangerous leaks. These methods can also damage tissue or lead to infection. SanaHeal's material is a hydrogel, a soft substance made from water and polymers. Early versions absorbed water from tissue before sticking to it.
The technology already has regulatory approval to stop bleeding caused by injuries. Human trials planned for next year will test its use in controlling bleeding during surgery and repairing injured tissue. SanaHeal works with larger medical device companies to develop products for different procedures. Yuk says the approach could make surgery easier and faster, potentially reducing costs.
