The development of magnetically operated microforceps and microendoscopes

: In minimally-invasive intraluminal diagnosis or treatment, catheters or endoscopes need a high degree of operator ability for guidance to appropriate routes, especially in small peripheral regions. Movable microstructures and assistant guiding technolgies should be developed to make these procedures easier. The use of magnetism, which can give force to simple internal objects safely with no contact, is a possible option. To facilitate the realization of magnetic operation in clinical medicine, magnetically operated microforceps which assist endoscopic submucosal dissections in the stomach have been developed, and are being tested in clinical trials. As a next step, flexible microendoscopes which can be guided by magnetic force are being developed. Automated magnetic guidance is also being developed for future assistance in intraluminal procedures.