Innovative Soft Robots Target Kidney Stones Directly

An international research collaboration led by the University of Waterloo is pioneering a groundbreaking approach to dissolve kidney stones using tiny, soft robots. This innovative technology, detailed in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials, promises to transform the treatment of this common yet painful condition.

The newly developed method employs slender, flexible strips equipped with magnets, which can be maneuvered into proximity with uric acid kidney stones through a robotic arm controlled by medical professionals. Each of these miniature robots is approximately one centimeter in length and is infused with urease, an enzyme that works to lower the acidity of the urine surrounding the stones.

Once positioned effectively, the urease begins to dissolve the kidney stones, reducing them to a size small enough for natural passage within a matter of days. Current treatment protocols are often inadequate, as they primarily involve pain management and oral medications that deliver slow relief, sometimes taking weeks or even months. In urgent situations, surgical intervention may be required to remove obstructing stones.

Kidney stones, which manifest as solid deposits forming within the urinary tract, affect around 12% of the population and frequently recur, leading to ongoing medication and repeated surgical procedures that not only escalate patient discomfort but also place significant strain on healthcare resources.

Dr. Veronika Magdanz, a professor of systems design engineering at Waterloo, noted that this cutting-edge treatment could be especially beneficial for individuals who form stones repeatedly and may not respond well to oral medications or cannot undergo surgery due to various risk factors, including chronic infections. The team aims to provide a viable alternative to current treatment methods, emphasizing that faster stone dissolution could significantly alleviate pain and expedite recovery for patients.

As part of the ongoing research, the next steps will involve conducting trials with larger animal models and fine-tuning the control systems, which incorporate a motorized magnet on a robotic arm, along with real-time ultrasound imaging. This advancement will allow physicians to precisely guide the robots to the stones, improving the overall effectiveness of the treatment.

The research team also includes Dr. Alfred Yu, a professor of electrical and computer engineering, and Dr. Mir Behrad Khamesee, a professor of mechanical and mechatronics engineering. Collaborators from various universities and medical institutions in Spain and Germany contributed to this international effort.

This pioneering approach could reshape the landscape of kidney stone treatment, offering hope to millions affected by this condition.