Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) have made a significant advancement in medical robotics by creating a microcatheter capable of navigating through the body”s smallest arteries, which are even thinner than a human hair. This innovative device, named MagFlow, utilizes the natural flow of blood to propel itself forward, a breakthrough that could enhance treatments for various conditions, including strokes and certain types of tumors.
Current microcatheter systems, which rely on guidewires, face challenges such as slow maneuverability and potential damage to blood vessels. These limitations prevent access to the most intricate and narrow vessels deep within the brain. The MagFlow microcatheter addresses these issues by being ultraminiaturized and leveraging the kinetic energy of blood flow, minimizing contact with vessel walls.
Selman Sakar, who leads the MicroBioRobotic Systems Laboratory at EPFL, highlighted the advantages of MagFlow, stating, “Catheters eliminate concerns about device removal after use and do not have limited payloads. Many blood vessels lie beyond a traditional catheter”s reach.”
Originally introduced in 2020 as a flat, ribbon-like polymer device with a magnetic tip, the latest version of MagFlow has evolved into a fully functional microcatheter, developed in partnership with interventional neuroradiologist Pascal Mosimann from Toronto Western Hospital. This improved design consists of two bonded polymer sheets that create a flexible body capable of inflating to deliver various substances, from thin contrast agents to thicker embolizing materials.
To control the device, the EPFL team designed a robotic system known as OmniMag. This system includes a magnetic field generator mounted on a robotic arm, which is guided by the physician”s movements using a stylus. The technology automatically calculates the required magnetic field orientation to precisely navigate MagFlow”s magnetic tip, a crucial advancement for minimally invasive procedures.
In animal studies conducted in Paris, researchers successfully maneuvered MagFlow through the complex blood vessels of pigs, safely delivering both contrast and embolizing agents to challenging areas. Lucio Pancaldi, a co-developer and recent graduate from EPFL, remarked, “Our experimental results elevate the flow-driven navigation concept into a viable clinical solution that can ultimately unlock new treatment avenues for cardiovascular conditions.”
Currently, the team is collaborating with clinicians at Lausanne University Hospital and the Jules Gonin Eye Hospital to adapt MagFlow for the treatment of retinoblastoma, a type of eye cancer. They are also exploring neurological applications, including the development of microelectrodes that could map seizure activity by navigating blood vessels leading to the brain. The findings of this research have been published in the journal Science Robotics.
