A Breakthrough in Kidney Stone Treatment
Kidney stones can be a painful and persistent health problem, especially when oral medications fail to dissolve them effectively. These solid deposits, formed from salts and minerals in urine, can build up in the kidneys over time, sometimes requiring invasive surgery. For patients with recurring kidney stones, medications often work too slowly or prove ineffective altogether, leaving them with limited treatment options.
Now, a research team led by Dr. Veronika Magdanz at the University of Waterloo in Canada has introduced an innovative micro-robotic device designed to dissolve kidney stones faster and less invasively than existing methods.
How the “Thread Robot” Works
The device, a thread-like tool just 1x1x12 mm in size, is made from a blend of hydrogel and elastomer, infused with the enzyme urease. One end of the thread also contains a micro-magnet. Using a catheter, doctors can insert this device directly into the bladder. Once inside the urinary tract, the thread can be tracked via ultrasound and precisely guided with a robotic magnetic manipulator positioned outside the body.
When the magnet is rotated externally, the thread moves back and forth, navigating through the urinary tract until it reaches the kidney stone. At this point, it can be held in place for days using a magnetic patch attached to the skin.
Enzyme Action for Faster Dissolution
The urease in the thread releases into the surrounding urine, raising its pH and reducing acidity. This chemical change promotes the breakdown of kidney stones, allowing them to pass more easily and with minimal discomfort. Laboratory testing using 3D-printed urinary tract models filled with synthetic urine showed that the device increased urine pH from 6 (common with kidney stones) to 7. As a result, the weight of the stones was reduced by an average of 30%, with the elevated pH levels lasting up to three months.
Next Steps in Development
The research team now plans to conduct large-animal trials to evaluate safety and efficiency in living organisms. If successful, this non-invasive technology could replace or complement current surgical interventions, significantly reducing recovery times and patient discomfort.
A Potential Game-Changer in Urology
According to Dr. Magdanz, the goal is to provide a faster, less painful alternative to current kidney stone treatments. By accelerating dissolution, patients may experience quicker relief and avoid invasive procedures altogether.
Conclusion
This robotic thread innovation represents a promising step forward in kidney stone treatment. If future trials confirm its effectiveness, it could transform how doctors address one of the most painful urological conditions, offering hope for millions of sufferers worldwide.
