Magnetic and radio frequency dual-responsive shape-programmable robots for adaptive aneurysm embolization

Summary Aneurysm is a common disease that poses a threat to human health. Currently, treating aneurysms mainly relies on embolization using metallic microcoils. However, it is extremely difficult to insert metallic microcoils into the aneurysm inside tortuous vessels. Besides, adapting fixed metallic microcoils to different aneurysms is also a major problem. In this paper, we propose a shape-programmable robot based on a magnetic and radio frequency (RF) dual-responsive shape memory polymer (SMP). The SMP robot can move automatically to the target under a programmable magnetic field. Meanwhile, it can be heated up and will transform from a small-sized ball shape to the aneurysm shape using RF. In addition, the dual-responsive SMP has excellent mechanical properties; its tensile modulus is 50 times higher than that of traditional hydrogels, reducing the possibility of fracture during embolization. In the future, this SMP robot could be potentially suitable for clinical translation.