Minimally Invasive Medical Devices and Healthcare Devices Using Microfabrication Technology

Abstract

Medical tools for use in the human body, such as catheters and endoscopic tools, usually need to be thin and small. With the progress of minimally invasive diagnostics and treatment techniques, these medical tools must not only be thin or small, but must also be capable of performing several functions. To meet these demands, microfabrication techniques such as MEMS (micro electromechanical systems) technology and related microfabrication technologies are effective. A MEMS device can incorporate several functions, such as sensor, actuator, and microelectronics. We have developed several microdevices for minimally invasive diagnostics and therapies using MEMS and related microfabrication technologies. An ultraminiature fiber-optic pressure sensor and intraluminal MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) probe have been developed for use in the human body. Active bending catheters and endoscopes using micro actuators have been developed for steering their tips without using traction of wires from outside the body. Small wearable healthcare devices which are attached on the surface of the human body have also been developed using the microfabrication technologies. A wearable blood pressure monitoring system using ultrasound and a microperfusion system using a metal needle with micro flow channel for measurement of subepidermal biological substances have been developed.