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Updated: Feb 4, 2026
11:27
Magnetically-Assisted Remote Controlled Microcatheter Tip Deflection under Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: April 4, 2013
12.9K
A Magnetically Controlled Soft Microrobot Steering a Guidewire in a Three-Dimensional Phantom Vascular Network
Sungwoong Jeon1,2, Ali Kafash Hoshiar1,2, Kangho Kim1,2
11 Department of Robotics Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, South Korea.
Soft Robotics
|October 13, 2018
Summary
This study introduces a novel magnetically actuated soft microrobot to enhance guidewire steerability for intravascular treatments. This innovation offers improved control for complex medical procedures.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Robotics
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Soft robotic systems have advanced catheter steering.
- Steering sub-millimeter guidewires in intravascular treatments remains a significant challenge.
- A novel microrobotic approach is needed for enhanced guidewire control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, magnetically actuated soft microrobotic system.
- To increase the steerability of conventional guidewires for intravascular procedures.
- To enable precise control of guidewires in complex vascular anatomies.
Main Methods:
- A soft microrobot fabricated from polydimethylsiloxane with embedded magnets and a microspring was attached to a guidewire tip.
- Magnetic actuation using external magnetic fields controlled microrobot angulation.
- A mathematical model was developed to map microrobot deformation for precise steering.
- In vitro 2D tracking and 3D coronary artery phantom tests validated steerability.
Main Results:
- The soft microrobot demonstrated controlled angulation from 21.1° to 132.7° using a 15 mT magnetic field.
- Successful 2D in vitro tracking confirmed microrobot steerability.
- 3D phantom testing verified the guidewire's enhanced maneuverability in complex vascular structures.
Conclusions:
- The developed magnetically actuated soft microrobot significantly enhances guidewire steerability.
- This technology holds promise for improving the precision and safety of intravascular treatments.
- Further development could lead to improved outcomes for conditions like disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Keywords:
guidewireintravascular treatmentsmagnetic steeringpercutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)soft microrobotsteerabilityMore Related Videos
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