Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2025
00:05
Robotic Enucleation of an Intra-Pancreatic Insulinoma in the Pancreatic Head
Published on: January 3, 2020
8.2K
A Novel Biopsy Capsule Robot Based on High-Speed Cutting Tissue
Zhibin Song1, Wenjie Zhang1, Wenhui Zhang2
1Key Laboratory of Mechanism Theory and Equipment Design of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
Cyborg and Bionic Systems (Washington, D.C.)
|July 31, 2024
Summary
This study introduces a novel biopsy capsule robot (BCR) for gastrointestinal diagnosis. The BCR utilizes a high-speed rotating blade mechanism to effectively acquire tissue samples without tearing, addressing limitations of current endoscopic methods.
Area of Science:
- Medical Devices
- Gastroenterology
- Robotics
Background:
- Capsule robots (CRs) offer a low-discomfort endoscopic diagnostic method.
- Current CRs primarily capture images, lacking tissue sampling capabilities.
- Existing biopsy capsule robots (BCRs) struggle with colonic tissue tearing and adhesion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an improved biopsy capsule robot (BCR) capable of acquiring intestinal tissue samples.
- To overcome the challenges of tissue tearing and adhesion associated with flexible colonic tissue.
Main Methods:
- A novel sampling strategy using high-speed rotating sharp blades to scratch tissue.
- A spiral spring mechanism to store and rapidly release energy for blade rotation.
- A gear mechanism to transmit spring energy to the blades.
- A Bowden cable and force sensor system for controlled, real-time monitored sample acquisition.
Main Results:
- A prototype BCR was designed, fabricated, and tested in vitro.
- The novel scratching mechanism effectively avoided tissue tearing.
- The acquired sample size met clinical requirements.
- The device demonstrated effectiveness in preliminary testing.
Conclusions:
- The developed BCR offers a promising solution for minimally invasive gastrointestinal tissue sampling.
- The high-speed rotating blade and spring-powered mechanism ensure effective and safe tissue acquisition.
- This technology has the potential to enhance diagnostic capabilities in gastroenterology.
