Neues chirurgisches Instrument von Wespen inspiriert infographic
Grafik zeigt wie das neue winzige chirurgische Instrument funktioniert.
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Chrirugisches Instrument von parasitärer Legebohrer Wespe (Ovipositor) inspiriert

By Ninian Carter

August 3, 2021 - Wissenschafter in den Niederlanden entwickelten den Prototyp eines chirurgischen Instruments für Knopfloch Chirurgie, basierend auf der Eiablage-Methode parasitärer Legebohrerwespen.

A surgical tool that mimics the egg-laying organ of parasitic wasps could be used to remove tumours and blood clots.

Researchers from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands have based their prototype on an ovipositor — the long needle-like tube that protrudes from the abdomen of some parasitic wasps.

The insects use their ovipositors to deposit eggs under the skin or exoskeleton of unsuspecting hosts. After a short gestational period, the larvae hatch and begin consuming their host, eating them from the inside out.

Current surgical devices for removing cancerous tissues, or other matter that needs extracting, use suction which can lead to frequent clogging of the instrument.

Instead, the prototype tool uses the mechanical design of the wasp ovipositor – a friction-based solution that sees segments of a tiny metal tube, no thicker than a matchstick, move up and down at different times to carry tissue away.

It could also be used for internal radiotherapy, whereby a small amount of radioactive material is inserted into a specific part of the body for targeted treatment of cancer.

Scientists hope to have the new tool ready for use in a few years, opening the door to treating diseases currently not treatable and reachable with existing equipment

Sources
PUBLISHED: 03/08/2021; STORY: Graphic News
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