Advances in biorobotics have been amazing.
Snakebot (Robotic Snake) has been around for some time, but it has not really had much application in the field of medicine. Though this amazing tech has been used in the military, earth science, rescue mission etc, we won't be looking at all these aspects; we'll be focusing on the application medically.
Snakebot in surgery
This is one of the majorly needed applications of snakebot in the field of medicine. Before the conception of this bot, surgery had been related to incisions (though there are other forms of surgery, like the laser surgery), but this biorobot (which was inspired by snake) has charted a new course. Now surgeries can be done with little or no incision.
Mechanism of operation
The snakebot introduced into the body through the mouth or any other orifices (anus, nostrils, etc). Because of its extreme flexibility, it will be guided through the body through a wireless control console (joystick). Also, the pathway of the bot is monitored using an onboard micro camera.
The snakebot will be equipped with surgical tools depending on the procedure carried out. It could be cutting and slicing tool; for the case of tumor removal. Also, a gripping tool may be incorporated.
Future advances in this tech
Science and tech can only get better. The future could see the miniaturization of this snakebot (nano snakebot) which can go directly into the veins and arteries and perform their functions (de-clogging of veins). Also, can this kind of tech be useful in neurosurgical procedures? Time will tell.
In the world of science and tech, nothing is impossible
Benefits of this snakebot in surgical procedures
The benefits are quite many, but I'll just drop these two.
- Ease of operation, and reduces the risk of complications
- Because there is little or no incision, the risk of excessive bleeding is overruled. And the healing process is hastened.
This is the era of emerging tech, and together we shall herald this era. Tech rules
Thanks for reading
References for further reading: Ref1, Ref2, Ref3
