Swarms of microrobots injected into the human body could unblock internal medical devices and avoid the need for further surgery, according to new research from the University of Essex.

The study is the first-time scientists have developed magnetic microrobotics to remove deposits in shunts — common internal medical devices used to treat a variety of conditions by draining excess fluid from organs. [1]

Figure 1. Swarms of microrobots could be solution to unblocking medical devices in body

Figure 1 shows shunts are susceptible to malfunctioning, typically brought on by blockages as a consequence of a build-up of sediment. The sediment not solely narrows and obstructs liquid passing by way of the shunt, however it additionally impacts the shunt’s flexibility. This results in sufferers needing repeated, invasive surgical procedures all through their lives both to interchange the shunt or use a catheter to take away the blockage.

Nonetheless, this new analysis, led by microrobotics skilled Dr. Ali Hoshiar, from Essex’s College of Laptop Science and Digital Engineering, has proven there might be a wi-fi, non-invasive different to clearing the blockage in a shunt. [2]

"The non-invasive nature of this method is a considerable advantage to existing methods as it will potentially eliminate the risk of surgery and a surgery-related infection, thereby decreasing recovery time."

With each microrobot smaller than the width of a human hair, once the swarm has done its job, it can either be guided to the stomach via a magnetic field or bodily fluid, so they leave the body naturally. Because the microrobots have very high biocompatibility they will not cause toxicity.The research also found a direct relation between the strength of the magnetic field and the success of scraping away the sediment in the shunt.

This is the first proof-of-concept experiment using microswarms for opening a blockage in a shunt. The next stage of this research is to work with clinicians to carry out trials. The researchers are also looking at how the concept can be used to other applications. [3]

References:

1. https://techilive.in/swarms-of-microrobots-could-be-solution-to-unblocking-medical-devices-in-body/
2. https://theperfectech.com/swarms-of-microrobots-might-be-resolution-to-unblocking-medical-gadgets-in-physique/
3. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220818102743.htm

Cite this article:

Thanusri swetha J (2022), Swarms of microrobots could be solution to unblocking medical devices in body, AnaTechMaz, pp.102