Open AccessA 3D Printed Implantable Device for Voiding the Bladder Using Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Actuators
Author(s) -
Hassani Faezeh Arab,
Peh Wendy Yen Xian,
Gammad Gil Gerald Lasam,
Mogan Roshini Priya,
Ng Tze Kiat,
Kuo Tricia Li Chuen,
Ng Lay Guat,
Luu Percy,
Yen ShihCheng,
Lee Chengkuo
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
advanced science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.388
H-Index - 100
ISSN - 2198-3844
DOI - 10.1002/advs.201700143
Subject(s) - sma* , shape memory alloy , actuator , biomedical engineering , medicine , materials science , balloon , surgery , computer science , composite material , algorithm , artificial intelligence
Underactive bladder or detrusor underactivity (DU) is defined as a reduction of contraction strength or duration of the bladder wall. Despite the serious healthcare implications of DU, there are limited solutions for affected individuals. A flexible 3D printed implantable device driven by shape memory alloys (SMA) actuators is presented here for the first time to physically contract the bladder to restore voluntary control of the bladder for individuals suffering from DU. This approach is used initially in benchtop experiments with a rubber balloon acting as a model for the rat bladder to verify its potential for voiding, and that the operating temperatures are safe for the eventual implantation of the device in a rat. The device is then implanted and tested on an anesthetized rat, and a voiding volume of more than 8% is successfully achieved for the SMA‐based device without any surgical intervention or drug injection to relax the external sphincter.