Micro and robotic tools make surgical procedures less invasive.
Micro-tools are used more often in surgery since they decrease the size and scope of the incisions and how much tissue is manipulated. Micro-tools are used in three types of surgeries: endovascular surgeries, endoscopic surgeries and surgeries that can be performed at a scale of tens of cells. Many micro-tools are still in research and development. Every year new breakthroughs allow surgeons to perform more precise micro-surgical procedures.
Endovascular Micro-Tools
Endovascular micro tools are those that can be inserted into arteries and veins. Most endovascular micro tools are catheters and angioscopes, although tiny cameras and guide wires are also used. Catheters either remove or inject fluids into arteries or veins. Balloon catheters are used to unblock arteries and support weak blood vessels. Catheters can also be used to inject medications as with epidurals and insulin pumps. These micro-tools limit physical stress and damage and reduce recovery time.
Endoscopic Micro-Tools
Endoscopic surgery, also called Minimally Invasive Surgery, is designed to be as gentle as possible on the body. As such, the tools used in endoscopic surgery must be small yet agile. Most endoscopic tools give doctors the ability to see inside the body and manipulate tissues. Some endoscopic tools can cut through tissue and blood vessels. The main problem with endoscopic tools is the lack of sensitivity and torque which can make it difficult for doctors to perform surgeries requiring high dexterity.
Microgrippers
Microgrippers represent a combination of the most current understanding of cellular chemistry and cutting-edge advances in engineering. Microgrippers are so tiny that they are able to manipulate tens of cells and may someday be able to be controlled on a scale of an individual cell. Microgrippers do not use electricity, rather they respond to chemical cues within cells. Microgrippers can pick up and move small groups of cells without damaging them. The future possibilities for surgical procedures using microgrippers is bright. Microgrippers that can handle single cells could have a huge impact in the arena of in vitro fertilization.
