3D-Printing of Magnetic, Helical Milli-Screws for Blood Clot Removal

The current treatment for blood clots involves administering medications that increase the risk of excessive bleeding. Surgical intervention can be used, however, complex bends in the blood vessels can make it difficult to reach the clot site. Current treatments are not always successful, particularly in hard-to-reach areas such as below the knee. Miniature robots offer an alternative solution that can address these issues.
In this work, researchers in the Netherlands and Canada collaborate to develop millimeter-scale, screw-like, magnetic robots for the removal of blood clots. The approach involves navigating the untethered robot through blood vessels via an external magnetic field with simultaneous imaging. The clot is eliminated using a combination of mechanical action and local drug delivery. Previous work by Dr. Islam Khalil and colleagues at the University of Twente showed the successful control of screw-like robots under x-ray imaging guidance in an ex vivo pig model that closely simulates physiological and anatomical conditions. Researchers at the University of Waterloo will build on this work by improving the biocompatibility and visibility of the robots, and by incorporating a targeted drug delivery system. The Globalink Research Award will facilitate the validation of the robot’s new features at the University of Twente.

Faculty Supervisor:

Veronika Magdanz

Student:

Partner:

University of Twente

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: