BrotherA team at the University of Leeds has developed a long, slender robot that can move flexibly down the bronchial tubes, helping treat people with lung disease.
Life-sized model of the bronchial tree and magnetic tentacle robot. Photo: University of Leeds
The human lungs are like a labyrinth and the bronchial tubes are very narrow. Going through it to perform medical manipulations is a very complicated and challenging job. A team led by experts at the University of Leeds (UK) has developed a “magnetic tentacle robot” that can pass through some of the smallest bronchial tubes. New research published in the journal Soft Robotics March 21.
Currently, a common method for exploring the bronchial tubes is the use of a bronchoscope device. However, the places that can be reached are also limited. The robot’s tentacles are controlled by magnets on the robotic arm on the outside of the patient’s body. It is more maneuverable than an endoscope and uses an automated system to navigate, relying on a map of the patient’s lungs to get to where they are needed.
Robotic tentacles or magnetic catheter measuring 2 mm. The shape can be manipulated magnetically to be compatible with the bronchial tree. They can cover most areas of the lung and will be an important clinical tool in the study and treatment of lung cancer and other diseases. lung disease,” said Pietro Valdastri, a specialist in the Robotics Science and Technology Laboratory at the University of Leeds.
The team used a 3D replica of the bronchial tree to test the robot’s magnetic tentacles. The next step is to test the device in the lungs of the corpse before testing it on living patients. The University of Leeds says the new technology could take several years to mature before it can be used in hospitals.
Kam Thao (Based on clean)
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