Tiny Clot-Busting Robots: A Potential Revolution in Stroke and Heart Attack Treatment
Tiny Clot-Busting Robots: A Potential Revolution in Stroke and Heart Attack Treatment
Source: Nature.
Published: 04 June 2025.
Summary:
1. Stanford University researchers developed a new technology called milli-spinner thrombectomy—tiny robots designed to swim through blood vessels and remove clots mechanically.
2. The technology shows major success:
• In tough cases where existing devices work only ~11% of the time, milli-spinners achieved 90% success on the first attempt.
3. Instead of breaking or cutting clots, these robots alter the clot’s structure, making it easier and safer to remove.
4. The approach performed better in both lab simulations and animal studies, with potential uses in:
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Pulmonary embolism
• Peripheral thrombosis
5. The robot’s spinning shape, initially made for movement, creates suction that helps dissolve clots effectively.
6. During testing, scientists noticed:
• Clot color changed from red to white
• Clot volume dropped significantly
7. Current versions are inserted through a catheter and remain in one place.
➤ But researchers are working on a wireless version that can move freely inside the body.
8. Future uses may include removing kidney stone fragments, and even non-medical applications are being explored.
9. The technology is still in development and will need further testing and FDA approval before it can be used in hospitals.
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