Establishment of basic technique of magnetic micro-actuator suitable for next generation multifunctional capsule endoscope

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K06228
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Power engineering/Power conversion/Electric machinery
• Research Institution: Kyushu Institute of Technology
• Principal Investigator: Honda Takashi 九州工業大学, 大学院工学研究院, 教授 (70295004)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: カプセル内視鏡 / 外部磁界 / マイクロ磁気アクチュエータ / 細胞診 / 生検 / 薬物送達 / ワイヤレス駆動

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, novel magnetic actuators for a next-generation capsule endoscope having abilities of diagnosis and treatment were developed. Expected functions such as brush cytology, biopsy and drug release were adopted, and then mechanisms suitable for each function were fabricated. In addition, an anchoring mechanism that can stop the capsule against peristaltic movement of small intestine was successfully built in the capsule. Finally, a 3-D magnetic field generation system consisting of 3-axis coils, power amplifiers and signal processor connected to a PC was constructed and tested for above-mentioned actuators.

Free Research Field

磁気応用

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

カプセル内視鏡は、それまで困難であった小腸内の観察を可能にした画期的な医療機器であるが、その機能はまだ観察だけであり、診断や治療ができないという課題があった。本研究で得られた成果は、外部磁界を利用したマイクロ磁気アクチュエータをカプセル内に組み込むことで、細胞診・生検による診断機能や投薬による治療機能をカプセル内視鏡に付与できることを実証したものであり、次世代の医療機器の進展に大きく寄与するものである。