Surgeons will soon be deploying armies of tiny robots to perform micro surgeries throughout the body. Though this may seem like science fiction,a research team from Drexel University has developed a micro-robotic technology that is being considered for an important mission—drilling through clogged arteries.

Atrial plaques form when fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances are deposited on the inner walls of the arteries, which carry blood throughout the body. Over time, these arteries harden and narrow. This process called atherosclerosis limits the ability of oxygen rich blood to reach vital organs and increases risk for heart attack or stroke. Although the cause of atherosclerosis is unknown, a combination of habits (such as activity level, smoking and diet), genetic risk factors and age contribute to its development. Two conventional surgical approaches for blocked arteries are angioplasty and bypass surgery. During an angioplasty, a vascular surgeon inflates a small balloon inside the blood vessel and inserts a metal mesh tube called a stent to hold the arteries open and improve blood flow. By contrast, a bypass surgery involves the rerouting of blood flow by using unblocked veins or arteries to bypass the narrowed artery.

This new innovation in nanomedicine, however, takes the form of small micro beads that join together to form a corkscrew-like structure capable of navigating the treacherous waters of the body’s vascular system. The micro-swimmers are made up of tiny iron oxide beads as small as 200 nanometers, joined together in a chain. These beads are “composed of inorganic, biocompatible materials that will not trigger an immunological response,” says MinJun Kim, a professor in Drexel University’s College of Engineering.

In order to remove arterial plaques, the scientists will use a catheter to deliver the micro-swimmers and a tiny vascular drill to clear the occluded artery. Upon deployment, the micro-swimmers will launch the initial attack loosening the hardened plaque, which will in turn be finished off by the surgical drill. After the surgery, the biodegradable beads are designed to release anticoagulant drugs into the bloodstream to help stymie future plaque buildup.

“I watched inner space when I was in high school in 1987. The film contains numerous concepts of micro-robotics and nanomedicine that have served as an inspiration to both myself and other researchers in this field,” says Kim. “I am excited to be part of a project that is involved in bringing this science fiction into reality.”
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Source : http://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/tiny-robots-can-clear-clogged-arteries-180955774/

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