Minimally invasive diagnostics and treatment using micro/nano machining

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Microsystems Engineering

Background:

• Minimally invasive medical tools are crucial for diagnostics and treatment.
• Microfabrication techniques, including MEMS, are key to developing miniaturized medical devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight advancements in microfabrication for minimally invasive medical tools.
• To showcase novel microsensors and therapeutic tools for in-body applications.

Main Methods:

• Development of ultra-miniature pressure sensors and intravascular ultrasonic imagers.
• Engineering of active bending catheters for improved catheter tip steering.
• Creation of ultrasonic therapeutic tools for sonodynamic therapy and sonoporation.
• Design of micro scanners for precise laser treatments.

Main Results:

• Successful development of microsensors for in-body diagnostics.
• Successful development of active bending catheters for enhanced maneuverability.
• Successful development of therapeutic tools for advanced treatments.
• Demonstration of microfabrication's role in creating multifunctional, miniaturized medical devices.

Conclusions:

• High-functionalized endoscopic tools and catheters enhance diagnostic and therapeutic precision and safety.
• These advancements enable novel medical procedures previously not possible.
• Microfabrication is pivotal for the future of minimally invasive medicine.