Development of electric control catheter and tweezers for thrombosis sample in blood vessels using piezoelectric polymeric fibers

Abstract

AbstractPoly‐L‐lactic acid (PLLA) has recently attracted attention as a polymer which exhibits a high shear piezoelectric constant. In this study, it was possible to control the piezoelectric motion of the PLLA fiber by applying d.c. voltage and a.c. voltage similar to a piezoelectric actuator. Then, on the basis of the experimental results, an electric control catheter and tweezers, using PLLA fibers (PLLA fiber catheter/tweezers) was developed. In the demonstration, it was assumed that thrombosis in blood vessels occurred and it was attempted to remove the thrombosis from the affected area using the PLLA fiber catheter and tweezers. This very delicate operation was attempted under a microscope. Using the PLLA fiber catheter and tweezers, the affected area was excised. A video movie of the test demonstration was recorded using a CCD video camera. All stages proceeded well in this study. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.