Researchers at the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies in Italy are developing a surgical tool that can squirm its way between organs and hold them in place while operating. This flexible arm is inspired by the arms of octopi.
The tool is flexible enough to find its way around organs but isn't too flexible -- it has an interior membrane that contains ground coffee, allowing it to stay pliable.
Many surgical tasks require the use of multiple instruments such as graspers, retractors, vision systems and dissectors. However these octopus arm-inspired surgical tools could give way to the creation of a surgical instrument that can be used to perform all of these tasks and more.
Bio-inspired technology is nothing new, but the innovation of life-saving surgical tools inspired by the earth's creatures is heartening to see.
Squirming Surgical Tools
This Surgical Arm is Inspired By the Octopus
Trend Themes
1. Bio-inspired Surgical Tools - The development of surgical tools inspired by nature presents opportunities for more efficient and versatile surgical procedures.
2. Flexible Robotics in Surgery - The use of flexible robotic arms in surgery can revolutionize organ manipulation and improve surgical outcomes.
3. Multifunctional Surgical Instruments - The integration of various surgical tasks into a single instrument can streamline surgeries and enhance efficiency.
Industry Implications
1. Medical Devices - The medical device industry can capitalize on bio-inspired surgical tools to offer innovative products and solutions to healthcare professionals.
2. Robotics - The robotics industry can explore the application of flexible robotic arms for surgical purposes, opening up new markets and possibilities.
3. Surgical Instruments - The surgical instrument industry has the opportunity to develop multifunctional instruments that integrate various surgical tasks, meeting the needs of modern surgical procedures.