Artificial-esophagus with peristaltic motion using shape memory alloy

Artificial esophagus of less invasive medical applications utilizing mechanical property of shape memory alloys (SMAs) with peristaltic motion is developed. The artificial-esophagus is composed of two SMA springs, polyvinyl chloride tube, and acrylic plate. The dynamic characteristics of an artificial-esophagus actuator are evaluated in terms of the food transport capacity. Closing pressure and the transport speed have sufficiently realized with human-like qualities. The possibility for fully self-contained artificial-esophagus using SMAs is discussed.