0
0
Researchers at the TechMed Center of the University of Twente and Radboud University Medical Center have developed wireless magnetic microrobots that can effectively remove blood clots, offering a revolutionary approach to treating life-threatening vascular conditions such as thrombosis.
A Breakthrough in Thrombosis Treatment
Cardiovascular diseases, including thrombosis, pose a major global health threat, causing 1 in 4 deaths worldwide annually. Thrombosis occurs when a blood clot blocks a vessel, cutting off oxygen supply to vital tissues. Conventional treatments often struggle with clots in complex or hard-to-reach areas, but a new innovation in microrobotics is showing great promise.
Minimally Invasive and Highly Precise
In a groundbreaking study, researchers Islam Khalil (University of Twente) and Michiel Warlé (Radboudumc) demonstrated the effectiveness of these microrobots in precisely and minimally invasively removing clots. The study focused on blood clots in the iliac artery obtained from sheep due to its straight and accessible structure. The results showed that the microrobots successfully removed enough clot material to restore blood flow.
The findings, published in Applied Physics Reviews under the title “Wireless Mechanical and Hybrid Thrombus Fragmentation of Ex Vivo Endovascular Thrombosis Model in the Iliac Artery,” highlight the robots’ ability to navigate complex vascular structures wirelessly, making them an exciting alternative to existing clot-removal techniques.
Three Methods for Blood Clot Removal
The research explores three different methods for clot removal:
- Mechanical fragmentation – The robot physically breaks the clot apart.
- Chemical dissolution – The use of clot-dissolving drugs.
- A hybrid approach – A combination of mechanical and chemical methods.
The combined method proved to be the safest and most effective, ensuring the clots are fully dissolved and reducing the risk of reformation in other parts of the bloodstream.
Real-Time X-Ray Guidance for Precision
The project also involved cross-Atlantic collaboration, incorporating expertise from the University of Houston. Researcher Aaron Becker emphasized that the use of real-time X-ray imaging to track the robots’ movements marks a major advancement in the field.
“These robots are designed to navigate and perform procedures deep inside the body. Until now, we’ve relied on clear models and video cameras, but real-time X-ray guidance allows us to visualize the process in three dimensions,” said Becker.
The Design and Future Potential
The microrobots are 3D-printed and designed like tiny screws, each containing a small permanent magnet measuring just one millimeter in length and diameter. This allows them to rotate in both directions, enabling them to swim against and with the blood flow to effectively break up clots.
Beyond clot removal, the technology has potential applications in targeted drug delivery. According to Khalil, “These robots can deliver medication directly to specific locations, minimizing side effects and maximizing effectiveness.”
Future Research and Clinical Applications
While this study marks a significant step forward, further research and clinical trials are needed before the technology can be widely adopted for human treatments. The potential for these microrobots extends beyond thrombosis, offering hope for treating various vascular and neurological conditions in the future.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent research findings and is intended for informational purposes only. Further clinical studies are required to confirm the safety and efficacy of this technology in human applications.
