Helical microrobot

Here we show an enhanced powered guide wired helical millirobot for mechanical thrombectomy in cardiovascular intervention capable of autonomous therapeutics. We build up and demonstrate a millimeter robot fabrication with a spherical joint and a guidewire, a high-power and frequency actuation via external electromagnetic field control, and autonomous therapeutic motions comprise driving, steering, and drilling. We validate all performances in two-dimensional fluidic channels mimicking the vascular network and finally in-vivo environments. Beyond nature-inspired millirobot technologies, our work has the potential of advanced mechanical thrombectomy application and advancement of micrometer and millimeter robot technology toward real clinical utilization. read more