Study: Implantable robot helps spur tissue regeneration

An implantable, programmable robot induced cell growth and lengthened part of the esophagus in an animal model by more than 75%, according to researchers from Boston Children’s Hospital. The team reported in Science Robotics today that the robot triggered tissue growth without interfering with organ function. The system could help regrow parts of the esophagus that are missing in people with long-gap esophageal atresia, the researchers noted. “This project demonstrates proof-of-concept that miniature robots can induce organ growth inside a living being for repair or replacement, while avoiding the sedation and paralysis currently required for the most difficult cases of esophageal atresia,” co-investigator Dr. Russell Jennings, surgical director of the Esophageal and Airway Treatment Center at Boston Children’s Hospital, said in prepared remarks. “The potential uses of such robots are yet to be fully explored, but they will certainly be applied to many organs in the near future.” The motorized robot attaches only to the esophagus, the team reported, and is covered by a smooth, biocompatible skin. A programmable control unit outside of the body applies traction forces to two attachment rings placed around the esophagus, pulling the tissue in a opposing directions. The implant was tested on five pigs for nine days. Each day, researchers increased the distance between the two rings by 2.5 mm. According to the researchers, the animals ate norm...
Source: Mass Device - Category: Medical Devices Authors: Tags: Implants Regenerative Medicine Research & Development Robotics Boston Children's Hospital Source Type: news