Our system uses an autonomous magnetic guidance system, eliminating the need for X-ray examinations of patients during surgery.
According to MSPoweruser, a research team comprised of scientists, clinicians, and engineers from the STORM Laboratory at the University of Leeds has developed a proof-of-concept for a robot that can be used to access even the smallest bronchi in the lungs. Based on the team's findings published in the journal *Soft Robotics*, this "magnetic tentacle robot" aims to assist medical professionals in obtaining tissue samples or delivering cancer treatments.
Researchers have presented a proof-of-concept using laboratory testing, featuring a 3D replication of the bronchial tree based on anatomical data. They plan to apply it soon to see its navigation capabilities in cadaveric lungs.
Professor Pietro Valdastri, director of the STORM laboratory who oversaw the study, said: “A 2-millimeter-sized magnetic tentacled robot or catheter, whose shape can be controlled by magnetism to conform to the anatomy of the bronchial tree, can reach most areas of the lungs and will become an important clinical tool for investigating and treating potential lung cancer and other lung diseases. Our system uses an autonomous magnetic guidance system that eliminates the need for X-rays during surgery.”
The robot consists of cylindrical, flexible segments impregnated with tiny magnetic particles. Each segment is 2 millimeters in diameter and 80 millimeters in length. It is claimed that by connecting these segments together, and in addition to the presence of the magnetic particles, the robot can be manipulated using external magnets placed around the patient's body. These magnets are mounted on the robot's arms, and the robot is programmed to perform actions according to the patient's needs.
The surgery will begin with a preoperative scan of the patient's lungs. Then, data determining the precise route of the bronchial tree will be fed into a robotic guidance system. This will allow technicians to precisely twist and rotate the magnetic tentacles inside the body without getting stuck. With this, the magnetic tentacle robot can offer far more maneuverability than current procedures using bronchoscopy and catheters or thin tubes to explore the small bronchi of the lungs.
