Artificial anal sphincter with sensor feedback powered by transcutaneous energy transmission

This artificial anal sphincter (AAS) is used to help patients who are in severe incontinence. It consists of two parts. The first part is taken outside with patients. The second is implanted in the bodies to provide independent evacuation for patients. It is powered through transcutaneous energy transmission by the first part. There are two sensors in the second part. One sensor measures the pressure in the cuff-clamp around the recta. The other measures the pressure of the recta. As soon as the pressure measured by the later reaches the threshold, a signal is sent out to patients through wireless communication to alarm patients preparing defecation. Patients can give a start signal to begin defecating after they are ready. And they can also give a signal to stop defecating like a healthy person. With the aids of the novel medical device, patients can defecate as a healthy person. The first generation of this AAS is presented.     

An Active Endoscopy Robotic System for Direct Tracheal Inspection

The development of active endoscopy techniques is one important area of medical robot.This paper designed a new flexible and active endoscopy robotic system for direct tracheal inspection.The mobile mechanism of the robot is based on the inchworm movement actuated by pneumatic rubber actuator.There are five air chambers controlled independently,by adjusting pressures in air chambers,the robot can move in a straight mode or in a bending mode.The inspection sensors and some therapy surgery tools can be equipped in the front of the robot.The prototype was made and its mechanical characteristics were analyzed.The robot could move smoothly in a small plastic tube,and the robot is respectable to be used for inspection in human trachea directly.