Minimally invasive diagnostics and treatment using micro/nano machining.

Several medical tools with various functions have been developed for minimally invasive diagnostics and treatment. Microfabrication techniques such as MEMS technology are useful for the realization of high-performance multifunctional minimally invasive medical tools with small sizes. An ultra-miniature pressure sensor and an intravascular ultrasonic forward-viewing imager have been developed as microsensors for use in the human body. Active bending catheters have been developed for steering catheter tips without using traction of wires from outside the body. An ultrasonic therapeutic tool for sonodynamic therapy and sonoporation, and a micro scanner for precise laser treatment have been developed as therapeutic tools for use in the human body. High-functionalized endoscopic tools and catheters will enable more precise and safe diagnostics and therapy, as well as novel diagnostics and treatment which have been impossible to date.