Development of miniature magnetic robot for expediting kidney stone dissolution while minimizing discomfort
In a groundbreaking development, a team at the University of Waterloo in Canada has created a tiny, magnetically steerable robot designed to help treat kidney stones. This innovative device, just 1 x 1 x 12 millimetres in size, could revolutionise the way we manage this painful condition.
The robot, equipped with a rotating magnet and a filament made from a hydrogel and elastomer blend, is loaded with urease, an enzyme that can break down kidney stones. When inserted into the bladder using a catheter, the filament moves through the urinary tract, guided by an external magnetic field. Upon reaching a kidney stone, the filament remains in place, releasing urease into the surrounding urine.
Urease increases the pH of the urine, making it less acidic and aiding in the dissolution of the stones. In lab tests, the device managed to raise the liquid's pH from 6 to 7, with stones in the urine losing about 30% of their weight over five days. Notably, the pH increase lasted for up to three months in these tests.
This new technology offers a promising alternative to surgery, which is often the only solution when stones block the urinary tract. Standard oral medications for kidney stones often take too long to work and are not always effective. The new robot could provide a new way forward for people who suffer from recurring kidney stones.
The device's position can be tracked with ultrasound, ensuring its safe navigation through the urinary tract. The team behind this innovation is now preparing studies on large animals to evaluate the technology further before considering human trials.
This innovative approach, which involves delivering stone-dissolving enzymes directly to the problem area, could mark a significant step forward in the treatment of kidney stones. The severe pain associated with passing these stones through the urethra could become a thing of the past, making life more comfortable for millions of people worldwide.
- This innovation, rooted in science, uses a robot equipped with urease, an enzyme capable of breaking down kidney stones, which could potentially revolutionize medical-conditions treatment in the health-and-wellness sector.
- The unique technology employs a robot that navigates the urinary tract through magnetization, delivering enzymes to increase the urine's pH to aid in the dissolution of kidney stones, setting a new standard in kidney stone treatment.
- By leveraging the power of technology, this groundbreaking development offers a minimally invasive solution for those suffering from recurring kidney stones, aiming to eradicate the severe pain associated with passing stones through the urethra, leading to improved quality of life for millions worldwide.
