Blood clots are a serious health problem that can lead to stroke, heart attack, and even death.
Some blood clots can be removed using a flexible tool that doctors insert inside the affected vein or artery, but other blood clots are too difficult to reach.
What if there was a way to destroy blood clots without surgery or drugs?
This is the idea behind a new invention by Dutch scientists.
Milli robot destroys blood clots. (University of Twente)
How does the new invention work?
Scientists have developed a small robot that can swim inside blood vessels and puncture blood clots. This robot is called a milli robot and is about the size of a grain of rice. The body is shaped like a corkscrew and contains a small magnet. The magnets help move through the blood and redirect it.
Report reveals increased risk of stroke in young adults
Milli robot rendering. (University of Twente)
Read more: Father’s life-saving invention was inspired by his wife’s near-death experience
The MilliRobot is inserted into a blood vessel through a small tube called a cannula. And control them using rotating external magnets. An external magnet allows the MilliRobot to rotate along its axis and swim through the blood. They can swim against the direction of blood flow to reach the clot.
Once we reach the blood clot, we begin drilling into it. This breaks the blood clot into smaller pieces that are carried away by the blood. The external magnet then changes direction of rotation and the millibot swims back into the cannula. They can then be removed from the blood vessel.
Crime-fighting AI RoboCop draws attention to New York subway users
An X-ray image shows a milli-robot passing through a blood vessel. (University of Twente)
More information: 6 apps to help you respond to medical emergencies
What kind of tests were done on MilliRobot?
At the Technical Medical Center of the University of Twente, researchers set up experiments using real aortas and kidneys. Scientists were able to guide milli-robots into blood vessels and destroy blood clots. They think MilliRobot could work even better with stronger external magnets.
Laboratory setup used in research to treat blood clots. (University of Twente)
Read more: 7 lucky people prove Apple Watch can save lives
What are the advantages of milli robots?
MilliRobot could offer a new way to treat blood clots that are difficult to reach or dissolve. It may reduce the need for surgeries and drugs that can cause side effects and complications. They can also deliver drugs to specific parts of the body where they are needed most, such as tumors or infections.
Milli robots are working to remove blood clots.
The lead scientist, Asst. Professor Islam Khalil of the University of Twente, said in an interview that “robots can deliver drugs to very specific places in the body where they are needed most. Then they can be delivered to other parts of the body. “The side effects are kept to a minimum.” ”
The technology is being further developed in partnership with Radboud University Medical Center and Triticum Medical. They want to make millibots more efficient and safe for humans to use. They also want to explore other uses for MilliRobot, such as cleaning arteries and removing plaque.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Cart important points
MilliRobot could revolutionize the treatment of blood clots and other diseases. These have the potential to save lives and improve health outcomes for millions of people. These are just one example of how small robots can have a big impact.
What do you think about the potential of nanotechnology and robotics in medical applications? Do you think they are promising or dangerous? Email us. Cyberguy.com/Contact
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report newsletter using the link below. Cyberguy.com/Newsletter
Ask your cart a question or let us know your story you’d like us to feature.
Answers to CyberGuy frequently asked questions:
Ideas for how to use holiday gift cards
Copyright 2023 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
