Wireless Peristaltic Pump for Transporting Viscous Fluids and Solid Cargos in Confined Spaces

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Robotics
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Peristalsis is crucial for lumen motility, but impaired by tumor growth, causing dysmotility.
• Lumen dysmotility leads to blockages and health issues like aspiration and reproductive problems.
• Restoring peristalsis in medical devices prevents blockages and enhances transport efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a wirelessly actuated soft robotic undulating pump.
• To design kinematics for generating undulation and peristalsis for fluid and solid transport.
• To demonstrate integration onto an esophageal stent and explore applications in other organs.

Main Methods:

• Systematic design of single-sheet kinematics and pair coordination for peristaltic motion.
• Development of a wirelessly actuated soft robotic undulating pump.
• Integration of the pump onto an esophageal stent for functional demonstration.

Main Results:

• The soft robotic pump efficiently transports viscous fluids and solid cargos.
• The undulating motion successfully mimics peristalsis for effective pumping.
• Successful integration onto an esophageal stent demonstrated the device's potential.

Conclusions:

• The wirelessly actuated robotic pump restores peristalsis and treats lumen dysmotility.
• The mechanism is adaptable for various organs, including the female oviduct.
• This technology offers promising applications for implantable medical devices treating impaired peristalsis.