A team of researchers at Vanderbilt University has developed a wirelessly activated device that mimics the wavelike muscular function in the esophagus and small intestine, known as peristalsis, that is responsible for transporting food and viscous fluids for digestion. This soft-robotic prototype is driven by strong magnets controlled by a wearable external actuator, and it can aid patients suffering from blockages caused by tumors or those requiring stents. Traditionally, esophageal stents are metal tubes used in patients with esophageal cancer, mainly in older populations, who risk food being blocked from entering the stomach and potentially causing dangerous situations where food enters the lung.
The restoration of peristalsis through this device is seen as a significant advancement in robotic medical devices that can improve the quality of life for aging populations. The device consists of a soft sheet of small magnets arrayed in parallel rows that are activated in a precise undulating motion to produce the torque required to pump various solid and liquid cargoes. This technology of magnetically actuated soft robotic pumps that can restore peristalsis and seamlessly integrate with medical stents has not been reported before, according to the researchers. The study was led by Xiaoguang Dong, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, in collaboration with Dr. Rishi Naik, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Dong, who also holds appointments in Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering, envisions further refinements of the device that could aid in other biological processes compromised by disease. For example, the design could potentially help transport human eggs from the ovaries when muscular function in the fallopian tubes is impaired. Additionally, with advanced manufacturing processes, the device could be scaled down to adapt to even narrower passageways. Vanderbilt University School of Engineering provided funding support for this research, while Oak Ridge National Laboratory supported the research facility. The research team is affiliated with the Vanderbilt Institute for Surgery and Engineering (VISE).
The potential impact of this innovative device extends beyond helping patients with blockages caused by tumors or requiring stents. It has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of various medical conditions that involve impaired muscular function in the body. By restoring peristalsis in a controlled and precise manner, this device could improve the overall quality of life for patients who rely on proper digestive function for their health and wellbeing. The collaboration between researchers in mechanical engineering and medicine highlights the interdisciplinary nature of this project and the possibilities for future advancements in medical technology.
The unique design of this wirelessly activated device sets it apart from traditional esophageal stents and other medical devices used in similar situations. By utilizing a soft sheet of small magnets and a wearable external actuator, the device can effectively mimic the natural wavelike muscular function found in the body’s organs. This innovative approach not only addresses the immediate needs of patients with blockages but also opens up possibilities for further applications in biological processes that may be compromised by disease. As the device undergoes further refinements and testing, it has the potential to revolutionize the field of medical robotics and improve patient outcomes in a variety of medical conditions.
The interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers at Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory highlights the importance of combining expertise from multiple fields to drive innovation in medical technology. By leveraging resources and expertise from various disciplines, the research team was able to develop a groundbreaking device that has the potential to impact a wide range of medical conditions. The funding support provided by Vanderbilt University School of Engineering and the facility support from Oak Ridge National Laboratory underscore the importance of partnerships in advancing scientific research and bringing new technologies to the forefront of medical care. With continued research and development, this wirelessly activated device could revolutionize patient care and lead to significant advancements in the field of medical robotics.