Development of a Novel Wasp-Inspired Friction-Based Tissue Transportation Device

Design of a wasp-inspired biopsy needle capable of self-propulsion and friction-based tissue transport

Percutaneous pancreatic core biopsy is conclusive but challenging due to large-diameter needles, while smaller-diameter needles used in aspiration methods suffer from buckling and clogging. Inspired by the ovipositor of parasitic wasps, which resists buckling through self-propulsion and prevents clogging via friction-based transport, research has led to the integration of these functionalities into multi-segment needle designs or tissue transport system designs. This study aimed to combine these wasp-inspired functionalities into a single biopsy needle by changing the interconnection of the needle segments. The resulting biopsy needle features six parallel needle segments interconnected by a ring passing through slots along the length of the needle segments, enabling a wasp-inspired reciprocating motion. Actuation employs a cam and follower mechanism for controlled translation of the segments. The needle prototype, constructed from nitinol rods and stainless steel rings, measures 3 mm in outer diameter and 1 mm in inner diameter. Testing in gelatin phantoms demonstrated efficient gelatin core transport (up to 69.9% ± 9.1% transport efficiency) and self-propulsion (0.842 ± 0.042 slip ratio). Future iterations should aim to reduce the outer diameter while maintaining tissue yield. The design offers a promising new avenue for wasp-inspired medical tools, potentially enhancing early pancreatic cancer detection, thus reducing healthcare costs and patient complications.

Bio-inspiration unveiled: Dissecting nature's designs through the lens of the female locust's oviposition mechanism

Investigating nature's ingenious designs and systems has become a cornerstone of innovation, influencing fields from robotics, biomechanics, and physics to material sciences. Two key questions, however, regarding bio-inspired innovation are those of how and where does one find bio-inspiration? The perspective presented here is aimed at providing insights into the evolving landscape of bio-inspiration discovery. We present the unique case of the female locust's oviposition as a valuable example for researchers and engineers seeking to pursue multifaceted research, encompassing diverse aspects of biological and bio-inspired systems. The female locust lays her eggs underground to protect them and provide them with optimal conditions for survival and hatching. To this end, she uses a dedicated apparatus comprising two pairs of special digging valves to propagate underground, while remarkably extending her abdomen by 2- to 3-fold its original length. The unique digging mechanism, the subterranean steering ability, and the extreme elongation of the abdomen, including the reversible extension of the abdominal central nervous system, all spark a variety of questions regarding materials, morphology, mechanisms, and their interactions in this complex biological system. We present the cross-discipline efforts to elucidate these fascinating questions, and provide future directions for developing bio-inspired technological innovations based on this remarkable biological system.

Advancements in aspiration catheter tip design for thrombectomy: a comprehensive patent review

Thrombus removal from the human body is facilitated through the utilization of aspiration catheters during minimally invasive thrombectomy procedures, where a pressure differential guides the targeted tissue through a flexible tubular medical instrument. In this paper, we present a patent analysis of thrombectomy aspiration catheter tip designs sourced from the EspaceNet database. Our findings reveal that enhancing the operability of aspiration catheters can be achieved by improving ease of positioning or suction capacity, whether through active or passive means. In terms of the former, both tip shape and flexibility play pivotal roles in maneuvering the distal end effectively. Variations in aspiration port characteristics, either distal-oriented or sideways-oriented, have the potential to enhance suction efficiency. In the active approach, aspects of positioning and suctioning are integrated into a single design, allowing for seamless transitions between configurations. While numerous design characteristics can coexist in a thrombectomy aspiration tip, a balance between flexibility and buckling resistance, as well as between maximizing aspiration lumen diameter and minimizing tip diameter, must be struck. This paper offers an insightful overview of existing thrombectomy aspiration tip designs, providing valuable inspiration for future innovations in this field.

Biomimicry - medical design concepts inspired by nature

Biomimicry is the application of existing features in nature to human technologies, such as the invention of aircraft inspired by bird flight. In the development of medical solutions, biomimicry is a growing field of research, where a holistic understanding of nature can inspire cutting-edge design. The purpose of this study was to create an educational, visual resource exemplifying up-and-coming medical applications of biomimicry. A website was created to present 2D motion graphics (animations) and illustrations. Animation is an established and useful method of communicating health information to the public. This presents an accessible interface for the public to interact with and learn about this area of research, bridging the gap between the two. Increasing public knowledge, engagement, and interest can expand the reach and thereby influence future research. A survey was conducted to assess public engagement and opinions on both the resource and the topic of biomimicry and medical design. The results suggested that participants positively engaged with the resource; 95.7% strongly agreed/agreed that the animations were beneficial for learning. All responding participants agreed that biomimicry could provide useful solutions in medical design. This study suggests that graphic motions are effective at communicating complex ideas for public outreach.

Advancing minimally invasive surgery: A cutting-edge cable-actuated conveying mechanism for reliable tissue transportation

INTRODUCTION

Tissue extraction plays a crucial role in various medical disciplines, with aspiration catheters serving as the prevailing method. Unfortunately, these catheters face limitations such as clogging and dependence on tissue properties and device dimensions. Therefore, there is a pressing need for an improved tissue extraction device that enables efficient and reliable tissue removal during Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS).

METHODS

In this study, we present a novel tissue transport system that utilizes a cylindrical conveyor belt mechanism for reliable tissue transportation. We conducted experiments using a proof-of-principle prototype to explore the influence of tissue elasticity, rotational velocity, instrument orientation, and tissue shape on the transportation rate, efficiency, and reliability. Tissue phantoms with gelatine concentrations of 3, 9, and 12 wt% were employed to simulate a range of Young's moduli from 1 to 110 kPa.

RESULTS

The mean transportation rates for these phantoms were 7.75±0.48, 8.43±1.50, and 8.90±0.56 g/min, respectively. Notably, all phantoms were transported successfully. The perfect reliability exhibited underscores the potential of our instrument as an alternative to aspiration catheters. CONCLUSION: This research presents a significant step forward in the field of tissue extraction, offering a promising approach for MIS with enhanced efficiency and reliability.

Functional anatomy of the worker honeybee stinger (Apis mellifera)

The honeybee stinger is a powerful defense mechanism that combines painful venom, a subcutaneous delivery system, and the ability to autotomize. It is a complex organ and to function autonomously it must carry with it all the anatomical components required to operate. In this study, we combined high-speed filming, SEM imagery, and micro-CT for volumetric rendering of the stinger with a synthesis of existing literature. We present a comprehensive description of all components, including cuticular elements, musculature, nervous and glandular tissue using updated imagery. We draw from the Hymenoptera literature to make interspecific comparisons where relevant. The use of 3D reconstruction allows us to separate stinger components and present the first 3D renders of the bee stinger including the terminal abdominal ganglion and its projections. It also clarifies the in-situ geometry of the valves within the bulb and the spatial relationships among the accessory plates and accompanying musculature.

Design of a Flexible Wasp-Inspired Tissue Transport Mechanism

Tissue transport is a challenge during Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) with the current suction-based instruments as the increasing length and miniaturisation of the outer diameter requires a higher pressure. Inspired by the wasp ovipositor, a slender and bendable organ through which eggs can be transported, a flexible transport mechanism for tissue was developed that does not require a pressure gradient. The flexible shaft of the mechanism consists of ring magnets and cables that can translate in a similar manner as the valves in the wasp ovipositor. The designed transport mechanism was able to transport 10wt% gelatine tissue phantoms with the shaft in straight and curved positions and in vertical orientation against gravity. The transport rate can be increased by increasing the rotational velocity of the cam. A rotational velocity of 25 RPM resulted in a transport rate of 0.8 mm/s and increasing the rotation velocity of the cam to 80 RPM increased the transport rate to 2.3 mm/s though the stroke efficiency decreased by increasing the rotational velocity of the cam. The transport performance of the flexible transport mechanism is promising. This means of transportation could in the future be an alternative for tissue transport during MIS.