Abstract: An electrolytic biosensor for use in intracorporeal leak detection may be incorporated into a surgical drain that is installed post-operatively at the site of a wound. The electrolytic biosensor may be used to monitor drain effluent flowing through the surgical drain by measuring a fluid conductivity of the drain effluent. Certain changes, patterns, or responses of the so measured fluid conductivity values may be indicative of a physiological condition of the wound. For example, when the wound is a gastrointestinal anastomosis, the fluid conductivity values measured with the electrolytic biosensor may be used to characterize a fluid integrity of the gastrointestinal anastomosis. An electrolytic biosensor system may include an application that records conductivity data and provides notifications, such as a patient alarm, when a leak is detected.

Abstract: A structure and method for supporting stonelike objects on soil. The structure comprises a base, at least two sets of a plurality of tabs disposed on the base at respective opposing edges thereof and oriented substantially perpendicular thereto, and a plurality of struts disposed on the base between and attached to respective tabs of the two sets of a plurality of tabs so as to brace the tabs and receive stonelike objects for support thereof. The base has a substantially planar frame and intersecting crossmembers connecting the edges of the frame, is substantially rectangular, and has openings for water drainage. The tabs are separated by substantially V-shaped spaces. The struts are disposed substantially parallel to one another, are relatively tall in comparison with their width, and at least one of the struts spans the space between the two sets of a plurality of tabs.