Scientists have developed a magnetic robotic endoscope that can roll around its axis within the gut to perform precise micro-ultrasound imaging.
The device harnesses a 3D-printed shell shaped like an oloid – a unique geometric form with characteristics that lend itself well to the task.
It contains an internal permanent magnet, which introduces an additional degree of freedom in response to an external magnetic field, compared with traditional cylindrical magnetic devices.
This enables the axial rotation of diagnostic endoscopes to scan the entire internal circumference of the gut.
Nikita Greenidge and colleagues demonstrated that the robot could detect polyps in a pig’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract and generate detailed virtual tissue biopsies.
‘The ability to perform virtual biopsies could eliminate the delays, costs, and complications associated with traditional histological analysis, allowing screening, diagnosis, and therapy to occur in a single procedure,’ the authors write.
It can be challenging to manoeuvre medical robots to obtain high-resolution images of the GI tract.
Micro-ultrasound probes can introduce artefacts during manipulation and have limited reach within the gut.
Prior research suggests that magnetic flexible endoscopes that deliver micro-ultrasound stimulation could be a promising alternative. However, existing devices have found few clinical applications due to a lack of controlled rolling and sweeping abilities.
To address this gap, Greenidge et al designed an oloid-shaped magnetic endoscope (OME) that can capture images via micro-ultrasound.
A magnetic field applied across the device enables sweeping motions and controlled rolling about its axis.
The oloid shape ensures the device maintains continuous surface contact while rolling, allowing for comprehensive information capture.
The researchers validated the OME in simulated GI tract structures such as the colon and stomach before testing it in a pig model.
The device obtained high-quality images of the GI subsurface tissue, which enabled detailed 3D reconstructions and detected simulated flat polyps in the pig’s colon.
Greenidge et al. propose that the OME could improve diagnostics involving challenging procedures and tissues deep within the body.
The research article is here.
Credit: Nikita J. Greenidge
