Imagine being in a hospital bed, struggling to breathe, and relying on a machine to keep your lungs working. For patients in critical care, this is a harsh reality, especially for those with severe lung diseases like COVID-19.
But what if there was a tiny robot that could venture deep into the lungs and gather crucial samples to help doctors diagnose and treat these conditions more effectively?
In a groundbreaking study, Professor Mohsen Khadem and his team at the Translational Healthcare Technologies Group have developed a novel robotic bronchoscope designed to do just that. This isn’t your average medical tool – it’s a state-of-the-art continuum robot that can navigate the narrow and winding pathways of the lungs with remarkable precision.
The Challenge
Mechanical ventilation (MV) is a lifesaving intervention for patients with severe respiratory failure. However, these patients are at high risk of developing secondary infections and other complications.
Read also; A New Hope in Cancer Therapy: The Tale of Supercharged Immune Cells
Current methods to sample the distal parts of the lung are cumbersome, often unreliable, and require highly skilled operators. The size of traditional bronchoscopes and their limited dexterity make it difficult to obtain accurate samples, which are vital for diagnosing lung infections and guiding treatment.
The Innovation
Enter the robotic bronchoscope. This tiny, flexible robot has seven degrees of freedom, allowing it to bend and twist through the lung’s intricate structures. It’s equipped with an outer diameter of just 4.5 mm, making it less obstructive than larger bronchoscopes and ensuring the ventilator’s function isn’t compromised.
How It Works
The bronchoscope is controlled by a series of brushless DC motors connected to lead screws, which in turn push and pull nitinol rods (a type of super-elastic metal). These rods allow the bronchoscope to navigate tight bends within the lung, guided by real-time feedback from an electromagnetic tracker placed at its tip.
The Breakthrough
In their experiments, the researchers demonstrated that this robotic bronchoscope could accurately and efficiently sample the distal lung areas. The robot’s advanced modelling allows it to predict its shape and movement in real time, with a high degree of accuracy – essential for navigating the complex lung anatomy.
The Future
This robotic bronchoscope is more than just a technological marvel; it’s a potential game-changer in critical care. By enabling precise and repeatable lung sampling, it could improve the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases, reducing the reliance on broad-spectrum antibiotics and helping to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Conclusion
Professor Khadem’s team’s innovation represents a significant leap forward in medical robotics. This tiny, dexterous robot could soon be a staple in intensive care units, offering a safer, more effective way to manage and treat patients with severe respiratory conditions.