Medical Applications for SQUIGGLE Motors
Robotic Surgical Tools, MRI-Compatible Devices, Micro Pumps and
More
With their tiny size and high precision, SQUIGGLE motors are
extremely promising for use in medical devices, surgical instruments and research.
Non-ferrous versions can be made for use in high-magnetic (MRI)
environments.
Medical applications include:
- Robotic surgical devices. SQUIGGLE motors 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 can be controlled remotely
to 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 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 such as next-generation insulin
pumps (wearable or implantable) - offering longer battery life,
better accuracy and simplified pump operation (no gear box).
They are also used in research for precise drug delivery in MRI
systems.
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 - lower power consumption than traditional micro-motors
- MRI compatible - they generate no electromagnetic
fields and can be made entirely from non-ferrous materials for
used in or near MRI systems without affecting image quality or
motor performance.
Choosing a SQUIGGLE motor
The SQL Series SQUIGGLE motor is a tiny motor that is
ideal for wearable and implantable medical devices, endoscopes, tiny
cameras and more. Custom non-magnetic versions are available. For
details and specifications see our
miniature OEM motors.
The SQ-100-NM Series SQUIGGLE motor is made from
non-magnetic materials, for use in instruments and research in and
around MRI systems. It is larger than the SQL series motor yet
compact enough to enable smaller, MRI-compatible instruments and research tools. For
specifications see our lab and vacuum motors.
Learn More
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.
