Self-Folding Surgical Tools Fit Through Catheter for Minimally Invasive Procedures
By HospiMedica International staff writers Posted on 13 Apr 2023 |
Minimally invasive surgeries offer numerous advantages to patients, such as reduced pain, quicker recovery, and fewer infections, compared to traditional open surgeries. These procedures typically involve inserting small surgical instruments through a narrow catheter sheath, navigating complex paths, and conducting surgeries in confined in vivo environments. Consequently, the instruments for minimally invasive surgery used must be small. Now, researchers have devised a technique to transport large devices through a narrow catheter, expanding the possibilities for designing minimally invasive surgical tools.
Researchers from ETH Zurich (Zurich, Switzerland) have pioneered a novel approach to minimally invasive surgical instruments that allows larger objects to be introduced into the body via a narrow catheter. This can be done by disassembling the devices into individual components and sliding them through the catheter in a row, similar to a string of pearls. Upon reaching the catheter's end, the parts self-assemble into a predetermined shape, facilitated by integrated magnets. The team showcased the versatility of this innovative method by using 3D printing to construct a simple endoscopic grasper and assembling a three-part endoscope head.
The researchers' prototypes combined soft, flexible segments with rigid ones containing tiny magnets. This design enables an endoscope head to execute movements with tight radii and angles, which are currently unattainable with existing endoscopes. The enhanced maneuverability expands the design possibilities for minimally invasive surgical devices used on organs such as the intestine or stomach.
Related Links:
ETH Zurich
Latest Surgical Techniques News
- Miniaturized Implantable Multi-Sensors Device to Monitor Vessels Health
- Tiny Robots Made Out Of Carbon Could Conduct Colonoscopy, Pelvic Exam or Blood Test
- Miniaturized Ultrasonic Scalpel Enables Faster and Safer Robotic-Assisted Surgery
- AI Assisted Reading Tool for Small Bowel Video Capsule Endoscopy Detects More Lesions
- First-Ever Contact Force Pulsed Field Ablation System to Transform Treatment of Ventricular Arrhythmias
- Caterpillar Robot with Built-In Steering System Crawls Easily Through Loops and Bends
- Tiny Wraparound Electronic Implants to Revolutionize Treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Small, Implantable Cardiac Pump to Help Children Awaiting Heart Transplant
- Gastrointestinal Imaging Capsule a Game-Changer in Esophagus Surveillance and Treatment
- World’s Smallest Laser Probe for Brain Procedures Facilitates Ablation of Full Range of Targets
- Artificial Intelligence Broadens Diagnostic Abilities of Conventional Coronary Angiography
- AI-Powered Surgical Visualization Tool Supports Surgeons' Visual Recognition in Real Time
- Cutting-Edge Robotic Bronchial Endoscopic System Provides Prompt Intervention during Emergencies
- Handheld Device for Fluorescence-Guided Surgery a Game Changer for Removal of High-Grade Glioma Brain Tumors
- Porous Gel Sponge Facilitates Rapid Hemostasis and Wound Healing
- Novel Rigid Endoscope System Enables Deep Tissue Imaging During Surgery