Bone Drill Turns Corners to Reach Tumors

Nov-07-15 The flexible NiLiRoBo prototype device can turn as it drills through bone, allowing doctors to access tumors inside the inner ear without needing to remove large amounts of bone.

Developed by the team at Fraunhofer, the NiLiRoBo (Non-linear Drilling Robot) is the first bone drilling device able to drill around corners. The device is made up of two sections connected by a hose that contracts and expands like an accordion. Hydraulic lines connect the bot to the controls in the operating room, allowing physicians to drive the robot carefully into position as it drills forward to the tumor. An electromagnetic system tracks the NiLiRoBo’s position, and could eventually be used to apply programmed parameters to ensure the bot does not go off track.

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[MEDGADGET.COM]
[FRAUNHOFER.DE]

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