Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
Magnetically-Assisted Remote Controlled Microcatheter Tip Deflection under Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: April 4, 2013
Magnetic microactuators for MEMS-enabled ventricular catheters for hydrocephalus
Selene A Lee1, Daniel J Vasquez, Marvin Bergsneider
1NeuroEng. Training Program, School of Medicine, Electrical Engineering Department, Univ. of CA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Insights
This study developed a novel ventricular catheter using micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) to prevent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt obstruction. Magnetic microactuators demonstrated the ability to clear cellular buildup, aiming to reduce shunt failure rates.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Devices
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Hydrocephalus treatment commonly involves cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts.
- CSF shunts have a high failure rate (40% in the first year), often due to ventricular catheter obstruction.
- Existing shunt designs lack active mechanisms to prevent catheter occlusion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and fabricate a novel ventricular catheter utilizing micromachining and micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technologies.
- To develop a catheter resistant to occlusion, thereby improving shunt reliability.
- To actively combat the cellular buildup that leads to catheter blockage.
Main Methods:
- Design and fabrication of magnetic microactuators using MEMS technology.
- Testing of microactuators to assess their force generation capabilities.
- Integration of microactuators into ventricular catheter prototypes.
Main Results:
- Fabricated magnetic microactuators successfully generated theoretical forces sufficient to dislodge adherent cellular layers.
- The microactuators demonstrated potential for actively clearing obstructions.
- The developed technology offers a pathway to significantly reduce shunt occlusion.
Conclusions:
- MEMS-based magnetic microactuators show promise for preventing ventricular catheter occlusion in CSF shunts.
- This innovative approach could lead to improved hydrocephalus treatment outcomes by enhancing shunt longevity.
- Further development and integration into clinical devices are warranted to address shunt failure.
Abstract:
The most common treatment for patients with hydrocephalus is the surgical implantation of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt. Unfortunately, this device, which is critical for lowering intracranial pressure, has a substantial failure rate (40% in the first year). A leading cause of failure is the obstruction of the ventricular catheter. The goal of this project is to design a ventricular catheter that will resist occlusion through the use of micromachining and micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technologies. We designed, fabricated, and tested magnetic microactuators. The theoretical results show that the fabricated microactuators can produce the force necessary to remove an adherent cellular layer grown over the actuator surface. By integrating the microactuators into the catheters, we hope to produce an improved catheter with the ability to actively combat the health-threatening occlusion process.
More Related Videos
08:17An Additive Manufacturing Technique for the Facile and Rapid Fabrication of Hydrogel-based Micromachines with Magnetically Responsive Components
Published on: July 18, 2018
09:13Remote Magnetic Navigation for Accurate, Real-time Catheter Positioning and Ablation in Cardiac Electrophysiology Procedures
Published on: April 21, 2013