An international research team led by the University of Waterloo is making significant strides in the development of an innovative technology designed to dissolve painful kidney stones within the urinary tract. This groundbreaking approach employs tiny robots that utilize ultra-thin, spaghetti-like strips embedded with magnets. These strips can be skillfully maneuvered near uric acid kidney stones by a robotic arm controlled by trained physicians.
At the core of this technology is an enzyme known as urease, which plays a crucial role in reducing the acidity of urine. By lowering the acidity, urease helps to dissolve kidney stones within a matter of days, allowing individuals to pass the stones naturally without the need for invasive surgical procedures or prolonged medication.
Kidney stones are a prevalent health issue, affecting approximately 12 percent of the population. For many individuals, these stones can result in frequent complications that necessitate multiple treatments and surgeries over time. Researcher Magdanz advocates for this minimally invasive treatment, emphasizing its potential to provide considerable relief and significantly improve the quality of life for patients who are prone to developing kidney stones and who may not be able to tolerate standard medication or surgery.
Looking ahead, the research team plans to conduct tests on large animals to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the technology before proceeding to human trials. They also aim to enhance the control system by integrating real-time ultrasound imaging, which will allow for the precise positioning of the strip robot near the kidney stones.
The development team comprises notable researchers, including Dr. Alfred Yu and Dr. Mir Behrad Khamesee. It is supported by international collaborators from Spain and Germany, demonstrating a robust effort to advance this promising medical technology on a global scale.
KEY QUOTES:
“There is currently no good treatment method available for this type of kidney stone.”
“Patients are typically prescribed painkillers and oral dissolving medication that provides slow relief over the course of weeks or months. And in urgent cases, when stones block the urine flow, they must be surgically removed.”
“Our goal is to provide an effective alternative to existing treatment methods,” said Magdanz, who is also director of the Medical Microrobotics Lab at Waterloo. “We hope accelerated stone dissolution will relieve the pain faster and help patients pass stones quicker.”
Dr. Veronika Magdanz, a professor of systems design engineering at Waterloo who consulted urologists in Spain and Canada during the research project
