The authors are developing devices for semi-autonomous or autonomous locomotion in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In this paper, they illustrate the systematic approach to the problem of "effective" locomotion in the GI tract and the critical analysis of "inchworm" locomotion devices, based on extensor and clamper mechanisms. The fundamentals of locomotion and the practical problems encountered during the development and the testing (in vitro and in vivo) of these devices are discussed. A mini device capable of propelling itself in the colon and suitable to perform, at least, rectum-sigmoidoscopy (the tract where approximately 60% of all colon cancers are found) is presented. This paper introduces preliminary, but useful, concepts for understanding, modeling and improving the performance of virtually any existing and novel devices for endoscopy of the GI tract.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/TBME.2002.1001976DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

locomotion devices
8
gastrointestinal tract
8
locomotion
5
devices
5
tract
5
analysis development
4
development locomotion
4
devices gastrointestinal
4
tract authors
4
authors developing
4

Similar Publications

Background: Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms. Recently, dance has started to be considered an effective intervention for people with PD. Several findings in the literature emphasize the necessity for deeper exploration into the synergistic impacts of dance therapy and exergaming for PD management.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Over 50% of individuals with lower limb loss report a fear of falling and avoiding daily activities partly due to a lack of plantar sensation. Providing direct somatosensory feedback via neural stimulation holds promise for addressing this issue. In this study, three individuals with lower limb loss received a sensory neuroprosthesis (SNP) that provided plantar somatosensory feedback corresponding to prosthesis-floor interactions perceived as arising from the missing foot generated by electrically activating the peripheral nerves in the residuum.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: This study investigated the effect of various offloading devices commonly used for the management of diabetic foot ulcerations on peak plantar pressure and pressure-time integral of the contralateral limb.

Methods: A quantitative, randomised and within-subject repeated measures study was conducted in an outpatient gait laboratory. Outpatients with unilateral diabetic foot ulcers and adequate perfusion to the lower limb without an intrinsic limb-length discrepancy who were able to walk were recruited for the study.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Recent Advancements in Localization Technologies for Wireless Capsule Endoscopy: A Technical Review.

Sensors (Basel)

January 2025

Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia.

Conventional endoscopy is limited in its ability to examine the small bowel and perform long-term monitoring due to the risk of infection and tissue perforation. Wireless Capsule Endoscopy (WCE) is a painless and non-invasive method of examining the body's internal organs using a small camera that is swallowed like a pill. The existing active locomotion technologies do not have a practical localization system to control the capsule's movement within the body.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Wearable powered exoskeletons could be used to provide robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) in people with stroke (PwST) and walking disability. The study aims to compare the differences in cardiac function, fatigue, and workload during activities of daily living (ADLs), while wearing an exoskeleton.

Methods: Five PwST were recruited in this pilot cross-sectional study.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!