Theoretical analysis of magnetically propelled microrobots in the cardiovascular system

The field of medical microrobotics is rapidly progressing; however, it is particularly challenging to control microrobots inside blood vessels. In this paper, the magnetic propulsion of a microrobot in pulsating flow is investigated. Regarding this task, the advantages of a reduced blood flow velocity are examined. The required magnetic field gradient in relation to the size of the microrobot is theoretically analyzed and compared to that for propulsion during reduced blood flow velocity. Quantitative and qualitative advantages together with the practical challenges are discussed.