Dexterous helical magnetic robot for improved endovascular access

Area of Science:

• Medical Robotics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Treating brain vascular diseases necessitates accessing deep, intricate vasculature.
• Current minimally invasive techniques rely on manual manipulation of flexible devices, often limited by tortuosity.
• Device flexibility, while enabling navigation, hinders precise tip advancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly dexterous robotic system for navigating complex cerebral vasculature.
• To overcome the pushability limitations of traditional endovascular devices.
• To enhance the precision and effectiveness of minimally invasive neurovascular treatments.

Main Methods:

• A magnetically steered continuum robot with a helical surface protrusion was designed.
• The device utilizes rotation to translate into forward motion via vessel wall engagement.
• An articulating magnetic tip provides active steerability for precise navigation.

Main Results:

• The magnetic continuum robot demonstrated successful navigation from the aortic arch to small brain arteries.
• The helical design effectively translated rotational motion into forward advancement.
• The system showed effectiveness in both simulated human vasculature and in vivo porcine models.

Conclusions:

• The novel magnetic continuum robot offers a promising solution for navigating challenging cerebrovascular pathways.
• This technology overcomes key limitations in current endovascular navigation, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
• The system's dexterity and steerability represent a significant advancement in minimally invasive neurovascular interventions.