A Superlubricated Magnetically Steerable Microcatheter with Integrated Optical and Fluidic Channels

Magnetically steerable microcatheters have emerged as promising tools for minimally invasive interventions, offering wireless control and navigation through complex anatomical pathways. However, most existing systems are limited to locomotion‐only tasks and lack integrated functionalities such as fluid delivery and optical guidance—capabilities essential for clinical deployment. Herein, we present a superlubricated, magnetically steerable microcatheter that integrates magnetic actuation, fluid delivery, and optical transmission within a unified platform. The microcatheter is fabricated by casting a magnetic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite into a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) mold, while co‐embedding an optical fiber and a microfluidic channel. After forming a continuous structure, a thin layer of pure PDMS is applied to the surface, enabling uniform hydrophilic coating via photopolymerized hydrogel. This continuous lubricating layer significantly reduces friction and enhances steerability in tortuous geometries. Directional magnetic anisotropy is induced during thermal curing to allow precise actuation under clinically relevant magnetic fields. Functional evaluations in flexible ring‐navigation and vascular phantom experiments demonstrate reliable magnetic control, reduced interfacial friction, and stable multi‐channel performance. This work provides a modular and scalable strategy for constructing multifunctional soft microcatheters, offering a versatile platform for future magnetically actuated interventional devices.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Robotics Research
Published
2025-08-31
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adrr.202500131
Primary Topic
Characterization and Applications of Magnetic Nanoparticles
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

A Superlubricated Magnetically Steerable Microcatheter with Integrated Optical and Fluidic Channels

Bing Han, Ruokun He, Zhuo‐Chen Ma, Luqi Li et al.
1 links
Advanced Robotics Research
Characterization and Applications of Magnetic Nanoparticles
article

A Superlubricated Magnetically Steerable Microcatheter with Integrated Optical and Fluidic Channels

Bing Han, Ruokun He, Zhuo‐Chen Ma, Luqi Li, Yuntian Du, Hesheng Wang
article en

Abstract

Magnetically steerable microcatheters have emerged as promising tools for minimally invasive interventions, offering wireless control and navigation through complex anatomical pathways. However, most existing systems are limited to locomotion‐only tasks and lack integrated functionalities such as fluid delivery and optical guidance—capabilities essential for clinical deployment. Herein, we present a superlubricated, magnetically steerable microcatheter that integrates magnetic actuation, fluid delivery, and optical transmission within a unified platform. The microcatheter is fabricated by casting a magnetic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite into a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) mold, while co‐embedding an optical fiber and a microfluidic channel. After forming a continuous structure, a thin layer of pure PDMS is applied to the surface, enabling uniform hydrophilic coating via photopolymerized hydrogel. This continuous lubricating layer significantly reduces friction and enhances steerability in tortuous geometries. Directional magnetic anisotropy is induced during thermal curing to allow precise actuation under clinically relevant magnetic fields. Functional evaluations in flexible ring‐navigation and vascular phantom experiments demonstrate reliable magnetic control, reduced interfacial friction, and stable multi‐channel performance. This work provides a modular and scalable strategy for constructing multifunctional soft microcatheters, offering a versatile platform for future magnetically actuated interventional devices.

Advanced Robotics Research
Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China (CN), Shanghai Jiao Tong University (CN)
National Natural Science Foundation of China, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities
Openalex Percentile: Top 78%
Characterization and Applications of Magnetic Nanoparticles
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