The article discusses a scalable, minimally invasive system of conformable, high-density cortical microelectrode arrays designed for neural recording, stimulation, and decoding, demonstrated in animal models and human patients, with potential to significantly advance brain-computer interface applications while prioritizing safety and reversibility.
Research shows that placebo or "sham" surgeries, which mimic real procedures without actual intervention, can be as effective as real surgeries for pain and function improvement. Despite their benefits and lower risks, these minimally invasive procedures are underutilized due to ethical concerns and misconceptions.
The OLLIF (Oblique Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion) procedure, a minimally invasive alternative to traditional spinal surgery, is being hailed as a "game changer" by experts. Despite its benefits, including reduced recovery time and lower risk of complications, it remains relatively unknown with only a few doctors in the U.S. practicing it. Dr. Hamid Abbasi and other surgeons advocate for wider adoption, emphasizing its potential to improve outcomes for millions of patients.
Researchers at MIT have developed a sprayable gel called GastroShield, which can be applied through an endoscope to reinforce tissue and prevent delayed bleeding during and after minimally invasive surgeries such as colonoscopies. The gel forms a protective layer that integrates seamlessly with current endoscopic procedures and provides wound protection for three to seven days, aiding tissue healing. The material, developed by a team that has started a company called BioDevek, has shown promise in animal studies and could have potential applications in treating stomach ulcers, Crohn's disease, and delivering cancer drugs.
Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a system that combines three lasers to cut bone, control cutting depth, and differentiate between different tissues. The first laser scans the surroundings and creates a map of the bone and soft tissue. The second laser cuts the bone only in the designated areas, while the third laser measures the depth of the cut. The system is autonomous and has been tested on femur bones and pig tissue, proving its accuracy and potential for minimally invasive surgery. The researchers are working on miniaturizing the system to fit into the tip of an endoscope.
Scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems have developed a soft medical robot inspired by the pangolin that can curl up into a sphere and emit heat when needed. The robot is made of a soft polymer layer studded with magnetic particles and a hard metal layer arranged in overlapping scales. When exposed to a low-frequency magnetic field, the robot can be rolled up and moved back and forth, making it ideal for transporting particles such as medicines. When exposed to a high-frequency magnetic field, the robot heats up to over 70°C, making it useful for medical procedures such as treating thrombosis, stopping bleeding, and removing tumor tissue.
Donna Ford, a nurse, was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia after being admitted to the hospital for a brain bleed. She became the third patient in the US to undergo a new minimally invasive treatment where tiny catheter tubes are snaked up through the groin area into the brain to block the artery that's feeding the bleed. The surgery was successful, and Ford was able to recover quickly without undergoing neurosurgical intervention in the brain. She has since finished her last round of chemotherapy and will continue to go for follow-up appointments.
Donna Ford, a nurse, was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia after being diagnosed with a subdural hematoma. She became the third patient in the US to undergo a new minimally invasive type of treatment where tiny catheter tubes are snaked up through the groin area into the brain to block the artery in the brain that's feeding the bleed. The surgery may be minimally invasive, but the results can be dramatic, and in a matter of 24 to 48 hours, patients are basically back to normal without having to undergo neurosurgical intervention in the brain. Today, Ford has finished her last of four rounds of chemotherapy and will continue to go for follow-up appointments.
Intuitive Surgical's Q1 revenue grew 14% YoY to $1.7 billion, beating Wall Street estimates, as patients returned to healthcare providers post-COVID and hospitals used robotic-assisted procedures for minimally invasive surgeries. The company raised its 2023 procedure growth guidance from 12-16% to 18-21%. Most analysts are bullish on the stock, with 15 Buy ratings, 14 Hold, and 1 Sell.
Researchers at the University of New South Wales have developed a flexible 3D bioprinter, called F3DB, that can layer organic material directly onto organs or tissue. The printer has a soft robotic arm that can assemble biomaterials with living cells onto damaged internal organs or tissues. Its snake-like flexible body would enter the body through the mouth or anus, with a pilot/surgeon guiding it toward the injured area using hand gestures. The team hopes its multifunctional approach could someday be an all-in-one tool for minimally invasive operations.