Trombots comprises a package that includes an ultrasound device and a thrombolysis apparatus based on atherotomes and microrobots. Atherectomy is a medical procedure aimed at widening a narrowed coronary artery to enhance blood flow to the heart muscle by eliminating the accumulated fat and calcium within the artery. During this procedure, a catheter is inserted through an artery in the groin or wrist and carefully guided to the narrowed coronary artery. Upon reaching the constricted part of the artery, a specialized cutting device, such as a rotating cutting instrument, is employed to remove the plaque buildup.
The method of acquiring energy leads to a set of limitations favoring specific operational modes and applications. In the «Power Onboard» category, simpler approaches involve storing sufficient energy for defined operations within an estimated time frame, typically achieved through direct current batteries. However, their manufacturing dimensions fall short in providing adequate energy and result in increased weight, consequently escalating power demands. Alternatively, some researchers propose integrating electrodes that utilize electrolytes in the blood for energy production or tapping into the body’s inherent heat source. This approach confines navigation to paths with positive temperature gradients to ensure a constant energy supply, exemplified by energy generation through the Seebeck effect. Temperature gradient challenges are addressed by controversial alternatives like extracting energy from radioisotopes, with patient reluctance being a primary drawback. Therefore, it is suggested to utilize energy released in exothermic reactions, either by combining blood with small activator doses stored in the robots or by harnessing the body’s metabolic reactions, such as the combination of oxygen and glucose.
Various simulators assess efficiency, with Nanorobots Control Design being a notable software tailored for this purpose, offering both graphical and analytical microrobot behavior simulations. Other tools like Matlab, Fluent, and Comsol conduct simulations through mathematical models. Fluent and Comsol, in particular, allow understanding blood flow dynamics without requiring a specific model by specifying relevant parameters.
Trombots will navigate through the bloodstream using ultrasound, with the same device responsible for clot detection also guiding the apparatus. This ultrasound will incorporate proprietary software enhancing image quality and precise robot guidance.
Our project presents an upgraded version of existing atherotomes, integrating ultrasound and elements from nanotechnology. It will also feature proprietary software to enhance ultrasound image quality and guide the robot. Particularly in critical environments lacking specialized equipment like X-rays, our project stands out for its user-friendliness and cost-effectiveness in reducing mortality and consequences arising from blood clot occurrences.
Aligned with advancements in medicine, our primary aim is the well-being of individuals. With a person succumbing to this pathology every 37 seconds and considering the aftermath of overcoming it, our project, initially designed for astronauts and the U.S. Navy, seeks commercialization in clinics lacking the means to treat this disease. Moreover, our new software aims to replace X-rays in hospitals, as ultrasounds have no adverse effects on patients and healthcare personnel. Rapidly dissolving a blood clot in these environments can be pivotal in the thin line between life and death. Hence, Trombots’ main objective is to save thousands of lives daily in the near future. In essence, Trombots stems from our eagerness to aid people, and preventing even a single death with Trombots would be a significant success for us.
To safeguard against plagiarism, the software and the robot’s propeller will be protected under patent rights for our project.