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Electronically integrated microcatheters based on self-assembling polymer films
Boris Rivkin1, Christian Becker1, Balram Singh1
1Institute for Integrative Nanosciences, Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Leibniz IFW Dresden), 01069 Dresden, Germany.
Science Advances
|December 17, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed a self-assembled microcatheter, about 0.1 mm in diameter, integrating sensing and actuation for minimally invasive surgery. This innovation enables precise navigation and targeted liquid delivery, advancing biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Microsystems Engineering
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Current electronically integrated catheters require manual assembly, hindering miniaturization and integration.
- This limitation restricts the advancement of minimally invasive surgical tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a novel, self-assembled microcatheter with embedded electronic functionalities.
- To demonstrate the catheter's capabilities in manipulation, navigation, and targeted delivery.
Main Methods:
- Photolithographically processed polymer thin films were used for self-assembly.
- Electronic components for sensing and actuation were embedded into the catheter wall.
- Functionalities were evaluated using artificial models and ex vivo tissue.
Main Results:
- A microcatheter with a diameter of approximately 0.1 mm was successfully fabricated.
- The catheter features actuated digits for manipulation and a magnetic sensor for navigation.
- High-resolution magnetic tracking (below 0.1 mm) was achieved for medical tool navigation.
- Targeted liquid delivery was demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- The self-assembled microcatheter offers a pathway to highly flexible, microsized integrated devices.
- This technology has the potential to expand the scope of minimally invasive surgery.
- New biomedical applications may arise from this microcatheter technology.
