[14p-3A-1~12] English session: Asian Joint Symposium on Nanobiotechnology

▲ [14p-3A-10] Development of Minimally Invasive Medical Devices and Healthcare Devices Using Microsystems

〇Yoichi Haga¹, Tadao Matsunaga², Noriko Tsuruoka³ (1.Tohoku Univ. Biomed., 2.Tohoku Univ. Micro., 3.Tohoku Univ. Eng.)

Keywords:Minimally invasive therapy,Healthcare,MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems)

Medical tools for use in the human body, such as catheters and endoscopic tools need to be thin and small. With the progress of minimally invasive diagnostics and treatment techniques, these medical tools must not only be thin or small, but must also be capable of performing several functions. To meet these demands, microfabrication techniques such as MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) technology and related microfabrication technologies are effective. A MEMS device can incorporate several functions, such as sensor, actuator, and microelectronics. We have developed several microdevices for minimally invasive diagnostics and therapies using MEMS and related microfabrication technologies. An ultraminiature fiber-optic pressure sensor, an intravascular ultrasonic imager and intraluminal MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) probe have been developed for use in the human body. Active bending catheters, endoscopes and guide wires using micro actuators have been developed for steering their tips without using traction of wires from outside the body. Small wearable healthcare devices which is attached on the surface of the human body have also been developed using the microfabrication technologies. A wearable blood pressure monitoring system using ultrasound and a microperfusion system using a metal needle with micro flow channel for measurement of subcutaneous biological substances have been developed.