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Research Summaries
Artificial Internal Organs by the use of the Nano Technology
Tomoyuki Yambe
Professor,
Department of Medical Engineering and Cardiology, Institute of Development Aging and Cancer,Tohoku University
E-mail:
Abstract
Nanotechnology and micro-machining technology are the important technology for the development of the artificial Internal organs, because the space is so limited.Various kinds of artificial internal organs development are undergoing in Tohoku University. Artificial esophagus, artificial sphincter, artificial heart, ventricular assist devices, artificial myocardium system and epilepsy control machine are under development.This paper introduced the recent progress in the developments.
1. Introduction
In the history of the development of artificial internal organs, minitualization is an most important problem. So, recent progress in Nano technology and micro-machining technology are historically important.
2. Artificial organs for Gastro-Intestinal tracts
2.1 Totally implantable artificial sphincter
After the surgery of the colon cancer, almost patients have the Stoma, so, quality of life of the patients isso limited. We had invented the ARTIFICIAL SPHINCTER to control the defecation (1)
Fig.1 Chrnic animal experiment of an artificial sphincter
Artificial sphincter system is consisted from the actuator of the sphincter by the use of the shape memory alloy, and transcutaneous energy transmission system by the use of the magnetic shielding device with Nano technology particle.
This actuator is very useful when we consider the various kinds of artificial internal organs
2.2 Totally implantable artificial esophagus
Surgery of the esophageal carcinoma is one of the most difficult operation even now. Because the reconstruction of the esophageal tracts must be carried out by the use of the stomach or intestine, the invasion must be large. Surgery for the elderly people cannot be carried out.
Totally implantable artificial esophagus has been inder development in Tohoku University.
Fig.2 Photograph of an artificial esophagus system
Artificial esophagus system can drink the foods by the use of the SMA actuator with Nano technology
2.3 Super Stent System with hyperthermia function and drinking function
Unfortunately, almost patients with esophageal cancer is too late for the surgery when they were diagnosed. If operation is impossible, average life time is so limited.
Super Stent system with healing function was invented and furthermore, this system also had the drinking function.
Fig.3 Super stent system
3. Regenarative medicine with Nano technology
New regenerative methodology was invented in Tohoku University by the use of the Bio absorbable material with nano structure, and new shape memory ally scaffold by the use of nano technology (4)
Fig.4 Regenerative trachea
4. Artificial internal organs for the cardiovascular system
Nanotechnology was very useful when we consider the development of the artificial heart and ventricular assist devices
Fig.5 Total artificial heart
Small sized total artificial heart was developed by the use of the undulation pump which have the rotating motion.
Fig.6 Animal experiment of the axial flow pump
Various kinds of ventricular assist devices are implanted in the animal experiments in cooperation with various company and institutes.
Fig.7 Animal experiment of artificial myocardium
5. Epilepsy stop machine
0.5-1.5 % of general population have the epilepsy. We had invented the new artificialintarnal organs for the epilepsy control.
Fig.8 Epilepsy attack control machine
References
[1] Jpn Pt 3910020, artificial sphincter
[2] Jpn Pt Appl 2006-141881, artificial sphincter
[3] Jpn Pt Appl 2005-335435, super stent system
[4] Jpn Pt Appl 2005-335435, SMA scaffold
[5] WO2004-112868, Artificial myocardium
[6] Jpn Pt Appl 2006-141993, cooling
