A breakthrough from Stanford University could revolutionize treatment for strokes, heart attacks, and pulmonary embolisms: tiny swimming robots designed to remove blood clots with unmatched precision.
Why it matters:
The new milli-spinner thrombectomy device dramatically outperforms current clot-removal tools. In trials:
- First-attempt success jumped from 11% to 90% for tough clots.
- Overall efficacy more than doubled current standards.
How it works:
- Developed from previous research on microrobots for drug delivery.
- The device uses a spinning hollow body with fins and slits, creating local suction to break down and remove clots without cutting or tearing.
Expert insight:
“This is a sea-change technology,” said Dr. Jeremy Heit, co-author and chief of neuroimaging at Stanford. “It will drastically improve our ability to help people.”
Animal studies and flow model testing confirm the device’s potential for safer, more effective care.
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