A catheter robot can move independently in the human body
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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Biological engineering specialists representing the Boston Children's Hospital have announced the first clinical attempt to use a special robot that can independently move inside the body at a predetermined course.
In medical and especially cardiac surgery practice, control robots are not new. For more than a decade, such devices have successfully coordinated the work of controlling joysticks. In addition, robotic equipment is widely used to perform invasive manipulations: such robots are able to move around the body thanks to magnetic energy.
To date, scientists have introduced a new "miracle of technology" - we are talking about a robot that can independently move inside the body. Such devices are designed to reduce the risk of complications and negative consequences on the part of patients, as well as so that surgeons and cardiac surgeons can deal with more important matters - for example, the direct conduct of the operation.
With the help of a new robotic catheterizing device, it will be possible to perform cardiological interventions faster and more efficiently. An optical system and a navigation sensor with information about the anatomy of the cardiovascular system are mounted inside the catheter. Also, images are pre-recorded in the sensor, allowing it to determine exactly where the required area is and in which direction you need to continue moving to achieve the required coordinates.
Experts have already tested a new unique technique: they performed a number of surgical operations to replace heart valves in pigs. Especially for the experiment, scientists collected special artificial valves, and a robot catheter was introduced into the circulatory system of experimental animals. The device independently found the way to the necessary place in the heart. Further, the surgeon already coordinated and controlled the device, performing the necessary reconstruction manipulations. The heartbeat during the operation did not have to stop.
Scientists put several test samples and announced the complete success of the apparatus used. Experts suggest that in the near future, cardiac surgeons will be able to use robotic equipment as their own assistant and assistant. First of all, it will help the doctor to do his job faster and better, without undue stress. By the way, the robot catheter has extreme auto-navigation accuracy, which can be compared with that if you control the catheter with your own hands, or using the joystick.
A description of the scientific work is presented on the page of the online publication Science Robotics (robotics.sciencemag.org/content/4/29/eaaw1977).