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An Approach for 3D Microprinting Soft Robotic Surgical Tools at 1.5 French Length Scales for Endovascular
Bailey M Felix1, Olivia M Young2, Jordi T Andreou2
1Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics. IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics
|March 31, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a novel 3D microprinting method to create steerable soft robotic surgical tools. This technique overcomes miniaturization challenges for advanced minimally invasive surgery applications.
Area of Science:
- Medical Robotics
- Additive Manufacturing
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Endovascular interventions require precise navigation of surgical tools within blood vessels.
- Existing soft robotic surgical tools face manufacturing constraints hindering miniaturization for delicate procedures.
- Accessing deep-seated or complex anatomical sites remains challenging with current instruments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel additive manufacturing strategy for miniaturized soft robotic surgical tools.
- To overcome manufacturing limitations in scaling down fluidically actuated devices.
- To enable advanced steerable capabilities for minimally invasive surgery.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Two-Photon Direct Laser Writing (DLW) for 3D microprinting.
- Integrated soft actuators directly onto multilumen microfluidic tubing.
- Fabricated a 1.5 French (Fr) equivalent guidewire system with a steerable tip.
Main Results:
- Achieved independent control of two actuators via discretized lumens.
- Demonstrated approximately 60° tip bending using hydraulic actuation at 130 kPa.
- Successfully created a miniaturized, steerable soft robotic surgical tool.
Conclusions:
- The presented DLW strategy enables the fabrication of integrated soft actuators at micro-scales.
- This approach overcomes miniaturization challenges for fluidically actuated soft robotic surgical tools.
- The technology holds potential for new classes of tools in minimally invasive surgery.
