The question of progress in the medicine and healthcare sector is especially sharp today. More and more tech solutions are implemented for biomedical applications to make even microscopic manipulations possible. This way even the most complicated operations will transform into common surgery practices with a decreased risk of failure.
Among the most flagship approaches in the context of biomedical science are micromachining tech solutions and microelectromechanical systems. These technologies bring more accurate performance when it comes to controlling different parameters and undertaking operations on patients with difficult or exceptional cases. Microneedles, surgery microactuators, 2D MEMS mirror, and other approaches can make the difference and save thousands of lives.
What Are Biomedical Microactuators?
Most modern scientists and medical specialists strive to operate on patients with the minimum surgical aggression. That is why most healthcare experts are searching for reliable ways to undertake microscopic-scale operations. But for this purpose, micromachining and microsurgery instruments are required. Biomedical microactuators bring a conductive solution to the microsystems used for controlling micro parameters and performing micro-operations.
They can be of different actuation levels and memory shapes. Additionally, the biomedical application of microactuators depends on their characteristics and conception. Among the most hot-topic micro-devices based on the micromachining and MEMS technologies are:
- Magnetic microactuators;
- Pneumatic microactuators;
- Thermal microactuators;
- Alloy microactuators.
Using the actuation properties of these microelements, the complex microsystem is developed. Let’s take a closer look at the surgical micro-instruments based on micromachining technology and microelectromechanical systems or hybrid microstructures (micro heaters, sensors, control devices, etc.).
A MEMS-Based Piezoelectric-Motor Surgery Scalpel
The absolutely sensitive scalpel is a great example of MEMS-based micro-instruments for surgical manipulations. The tool contains the piezoelectric microactuator and MEMS-driven microsensor. The enhanced control level is achieved because the scalpel obtains the capability to measure stresses experienced by the micro instrument while acting.
Any cutting activity is complemented with the micro metrics and improved safety of the surgeon’s moves. The actual cutting force is well-controlled as well because the MEMS sensor performs even the smallest impulses to decrease irrelevant operating activities with the scalpel.
The Ultrasonic Cutting Tool Based on the MEMS and Micromachining Technologies
The piezoelectric motor presented in the device is used for initiating ultrasonic cutting frequencies. The accuracy of the cuts is achieved with the help of the MEMS sensor. It analyzes the tissue of the patient and activates the most required mode for surgical micro manipulations.
One more biomedical application of this ultrasonic cutting tool based on MEMS and micromachining technologies is safe extra fluid or debris extraction from most micro-scale channels. It is possible to clean all the slime, blood, and other agents off from the micro pumps, valves, etc.
Silicon Micromachining and MEMS-Based Microneedles for Biomedical Purposes
One more biomedical application of the microactuators run with the help of micromachining and MEMS technologies are microneedles. In comparison with the average needles, these ones are made of silicone and are notable for their sharpness. Additionally, microneedles with MEMS-based actuation reduce the painful effect of the administration.
Even the patients who need to have injections 3-4 times a day (like diabetes sufferers who require insulin administration several times a day) notice that the intuitive microneedle brings less discomfort. The stab process takes place almost invisible for patients who get used to regular painful sensations.
Microneedles, micro-instruments for surgical manipulations of the microscopic scale based on the MEMS sensors and micromachining technology is the sound breakthrough in the biomedical direction. The microactuators as a part of the innovative biomedical microsystems can improve the overall performance of the diagnostic, surgical, and therapeutic procedures.
