
Micro-robots will unblock arteries within four years
In 4-5 years, vascular surgeons are likely to use microscopic, magnetic robots to clear blocked arteries. Such a minimally invasive procedure was developed by collaborative efforts of 11 institutions funded by $18 million. Robotic swimmers with tiny drills were modeled after the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, which causes Lyme’s Disease. The spiral-shaped bacteria burrows through healthy tissue killing cells in its wake. Surgeons will control the magnetic field, directing t