Four-dimensional reconfigurable vascular tunneling machine of spatially programmed liquid crystal elastomers

Thrombosis in tortuous vessels causes blockages and pathological conditions. Current thrombolytics are inefficient, and mechanical thrombectomies lack adaptability, hindering thrombus clearance in complex geometries. Here, we propose a 4D reconfigurable vascular tunneling machine (VTM) capable of synchronous rotation and elongation, mimicking teredo locomotion. The VTM operates via the reversible nematic-to-isotropic phase transition of liquid crystal elastomers, triggered by the reorientation of liquid crystal mesogens during a coupled contraction-torsion motion. Functionalized with magnetic liquid metals, the VTM achieves remote reconfiguration within 20 s via induction heating, with a temperature rise of only 1.1 °C and uniform heat dissipation. This rapid and safe thermal response facilitates the adaptive locomotion of the VTM within a cerebral artery model. Comprehensive biocompatibility evaluation confirms that the VTM exhibits no cytotoxicity and good hemocompatibility, and the VTM achieves the disruption of thrombus simulants across a stiffness range of 1 kPa to 1 MPa and sample retrieval up to 7.13 mm³. These demonstrations establish the VTM as a promising proof-of-concept platform, highlighting the potential for future development toward thrombus interventions and for operation as an adaptive soft robot in constrained environments.