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AN APPROACH FOR 3D MICROPRINTING OF SOFT ROBOTIC BIOPSY TOOLS AT 1 FRENCH LENGTH SCALES VIA EX SITU DIRECT LASER
Sunandita Sarker1, Declan Fitzgerald1, Zachary Ferraro1
1University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
Researchers developed novel soft-robotic biopsy tools using 3D microprinting for pediatric cardiac procedures. These tools offer precise navigation in delicate cardiac structures, improving diagnostic capabilities for myocardial diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Robotics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Pediatric cardiac biopsy is crucial for diagnosing myocardial diseases but faces challenges due to invasive risks and difficulty accessing small cardiac vessels.
- Traditional biopsy instruments struggle with navigating the intricate and confined vasculature of pediatric hearts, particularly the left ventricle.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce an innovative additive manufacturing strategy for developing dual-material soft-robotic biopsy tools specifically designed for pediatric cardiac interventions.
- To create a microscale soft-robotic biopsy tool capable of precise navigation and operation within the delicate pediatric cardiac anatomy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized "ex situ Direct Laser Writing (esDLW)" to 3D microprint dual-material soft-robotic biopsy tools with a 1 French outer diameter.
- Employed Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) simulations to optimize material selection (IP-PDMS for soft actuator, IP-Dip2 for rigid needle) and tool geometry.
- Conducted microfluidic pressurization tests to evaluate actuation and ex vivo tests on bovine heart tissue to assess penetration efficacy.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated a soft-robotic biopsy tool with a 1 French outer diameter and 1.5 mm height using dual-material 3D microprinting.
- Demonstrated precise actuation with a maximum deformation of 51% at 50kPa via microfluidic pressurization.
- Confirmed successful penetration of bovine heart tissue ex vivo without mechanical failure, validating the tool's efficacy.
Conclusions:
- The developed dual-material soft-robotic biopsy tools represent a foundational technology for enhancing pediatric cardiac interventions.
- This innovative additive manufacturing approach offers a promising solution for overcoming the limitations of traditional instruments in pediatric cardiac diagnostics.
- Further research will focus on refining structural integrity and functionality for clinical translation.
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