Researchers say they've developed a surgical robot for removing brain tumors in children, and that it could also offer a less invasive, safer option for adult neurosurgery and other procedures. The trick is using hollow, nitinol robot arms to allow neurosurgeons to swap tools during a tumor resection procedure, said Pierre DuPont. He's the chief … [Read more...] about Two-armed surgical robot prototype targets pediatric brain tumors
Research
This surgical robotic arm could 3D bioprint inside the human body
Engineers in Australia say they have developed a miniature robotic arm for 3D printing biomaterial directly on human organs. UNSW Sydney researchers developed the device as a flexible, soft robotic arm for 3D bioprinting. This process fabricates biomedical parts from “bioink” to construct natural, tissue-like structures. Predominantly used for … [Read more...] about This surgical robotic arm could 3D bioprint inside the human body
The top 10 catheter innovation news stories of 2022
This year was a big one for catheter innovation as medtech companies large and small received regulatory approvals and researchers developed catheters that could soon make navigating the vasculature system easier. The numerous innovations weren't just limited to adults. One company launched a cryoablation catheter for children as young as 2 … [Read more...] about The top 10 catheter innovation news stories of 2022
Why Affera’s cardiac ablation technology is worth $1B to Medtronic
Affera started in 2014 with a simple goal that paid off when Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) bought the company for up to $1 billion this year. Achieving that goal, however, took some unconventional and sometimes difficult design choices, Affera founder and CEO Doron Harlev said. Newton, Massachusetts–based Affera's system diagnoses, maps and treats … [Read more...] about Why Affera’s cardiac ablation technology is worth $1B to Medtronic
The 24 best medical device innovations of 2022
The Galien Foundation recently announced its nominees of medical device innovations for its 2022 Prix Galien USA awards. There are 24 medical technologies nominated for the annual award this year, up from 18 nominees in 2021. The Galien Foundation’s annual Prix Galien awards highlight devices, biotechnology and pharmaceutical products … [Read more...] about The 24 best medical device innovations of 2022
Design challenges to overcome when developing cardiac ablation devices
It’s about figuring out how and where to go with the cardiac ablation and then engineering the best catheter-based delivery device, according to a top Acutus Medical scientist. Cardiac ablation is when a physician intentionally destroys a small amount of tissue in the heart to treat and prevent heart rhythm problems. The procedure creates … [Read more...] about Design challenges to overcome when developing cardiac ablation devices
Synchron says study shows safety of its brain-computer interface implant
Four ALS patients with a Synchron Stentrode brain implant had no serious adverse events one year after their procedure, which allowed the paralyzed patients to control a computer for online shopping, banking and text communication without using their hands or voice for input. New York-based Synchron said this study demonstrated the safety of its … [Read more...] about Synchron says study shows safety of its brain-computer interface implant
‘Itty bitty’ falloposcope imaging device used inside fallopian tubes for the first time
After years of development, University of Arizona researchers have captured their first images inside fallopian tubes with a new device that could be used to search for early signs of ovarian cancer. University of Arizona BIO5 Institute Director Jennifer Barton developed the high-resolution falloposcope, which has a diameter of only 0.8 … [Read more...] about ‘Itty bitty’ falloposcope imaging device used inside fallopian tubes for the first time
Medtronic releases Navablate study results for bronchoscopic microwave ablation
Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) reported new clinical data from its Navablate study of bronchoscopic microwave ablation with its Emprint ablation catheter kit to treat malignant lung nodules. “Patients with malignant lesions in the lung often have limited therapy options due to lesion locations, comorbidities and treatment side effects,” said one of the … [Read more...] about Medtronic releases Navablate study results for bronchoscopic microwave ablation
Swiss scientists make ‘micromachines’ for self-deploying stents and more
Researchers in Zurich reported today that they have invented a manufacturing technique to build "micromachines" out of metal and plastic in which these two materials are interlocked as closely as links in a chain. These robots are so tiny that they can maneuver through blood vessels and deliver medications to certain points in the body — a goal … [Read more...] about Swiss scientists make ‘micromachines’ for self-deploying stents and more