Medical Applications
Robotic Surgical Tools, Micro Motion in Endoscopy, Implantable
Devices and More
With their tiny size and high precision, SQUIGGLE motors are
extremely promising for use in medical devices, surgical instruments
and research.
TRACKER position sensors provide closed-loop control of SQUIGGLE
motors or other drives in medical applications. Their ease of
integration makes them ideal for positioning and fluid control
in applications such as in-vitro diagnostic systems.
Medical applications include:
- Robotic surgical devices. SQUIGGLE motors and TRACKER
position sensors can be used
for everything from robotic grippers and retractors to
miniature
mobile robots for minimally invasive surgery.
- Endoscopes. Small enough to fit inside the head of a
standard endoscope, SQUIGGLE motors and TRACKER position sensors can add more capabilities:
focus a lens, manipulate a scraper, collect a
sample, dispense a liquid.
- Implantable devices. The SQUIGGLE motor would allow
adjustment of implanted devices in situ, preserving optimal
performance.
- Microfluidics. SQUIGGLE motors and TRACKER position
sensors can be used to
create tiny microfluidic pumps in handheld devices for POC
testing, which promises faster results, improved time to
treatment and cost containment. (See also the
fluid control
page.)
- Drug delivery. SQUIGGLE motors enable the development
of smaller, more efficient pumps (wearable or implantable) - offering longer battery life,
better accuracy and simplified pump operation (no gear box).
Benefits of SQUIGGLE motors for medical devices
SQUIGGLE motors are:
- Small - for implantable and portable devices, surgical
robotics, and miniature pumps or valves
- Precise - to enable very accurate positioning or dosing
- Quiet - for unobtrusive wearable medical devices
- Robust - for high reliability
- Efficient - battery-operated with lower power consumption than traditional micro-motors
SQUIGGLE motors generate no electromagnetic
fields. Custom version can be made entirely from non-ferrous materials for
use in or near MRI systems without affecting image quality or
motor performance.
Choosing a SQUIGGLE motor
The SQL Series SQUIGGLE motor is a tiny, battery-driven motor
(less than 3 x 3 x 6 mm) that is
ideal for wearable and implantable medical devices, endoscopes, tiny
cameras and more. For
details and specifications see our
miniature OEM motors.
The SQ-100 Series SQUIGGLE motor is ideal for use in instruments and research
applications. It is larger than the SQL series motor yet
compact enough to enable smaller instruments and research tools.
Custom non-ferrous versions can be made for use in high-magnetic
(MRI) environments. For specifications see our lab and vacuum motors.
Learn More
Technical article: "Piezo motor based medical devices"
article in Medical Design Technology, April 2009. (read
the article on MDT online)
Technical paper: "Autonomous Positioning System for Implantable
Hearing Aids Using Piezo Motors"
(read the abstract)
Technical paper: "A Mobile Robot Driven by Miniature Onboard
Motors for Cardiac Intervention."
(read the abstract)
Technical paper: SQUIGGLE Motor Applications for Whole Body
Small Animal MRI." (read the
paper)
Technology report: "Robotics Give Doctors A Helping Hand,"
Electronic Design, June 19, 2008
(go to article on Electronic Design)
Contact us for more information
about using SQUIGGLE motors in medical applications including drug
delivery, microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip and more.
