A stiffness-tunable soft actuator inspired by helix for medical applications

ConclusionThe experimental findings indicate that the soft actuator with TPRS can achieve a broad range of stiffness modulation while retaining flexibility. Moreover, the STSA can be designed to have a diameter of 8 –10 mm, which satisfies the diameter requirements of a bronchoscope. Furthermore, the STSA has the potential to be utilized for clamping and ablation in a laparoscopic scenario, thereby demonstrating its potential for clinical use. Overall, these results suggest that the STSA has significant prom ise for use in medical applications, particularly in the context of minimally invasive surgeries.
Source: International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery - Category: Intensive Care Source Type: research