Wasp-inspired needle insertion with low net push force

Wasp-inspired needle insertion with low net push force

Sprang, Tim (Student TU Delft)
Breedveld, P. (TU Delft Medical Instruments & Bio-Inspired Technology)
Dodou, D. (TU Delft Medical Instruments & Bio-Inspired Technology)

Lepora, N.F. (editor)
Mura, A. (editor)
Mangan, M. (editor)
Verschure, P.F.M.J. (editor)
Desmulliez, M. (editor)
Prescott, T.J. (editor)

2016

This paper outlines the development of a four-part needle prototype inspired by the ovipositor of parasitic wasps. In the wasp ovipositor, three longitudinal segments called valves move reciprocally to gain depth in the substrate. It has been suggested that serrations located along the wasp ovipositor induce a friction difference between moving and anchoring valves that is needed for this reciprocal motion. Such an anchoring mechanism may not be desired in a medical setting, as serrations can induce tissue damage. Our aim was to investigate whether a multipart needle can penetrate tissue phantom material with near-zero net push force while using needle parts devoid of surface gripping textures or serrations. Accordingly, a four-part needle prototype was developed and tested in gelatine substrates. The performance of the prototype was assessed in terms of the degree of slipping of the needle with respect to the gelatine, with less slip implying better performance. Slip decreased with decreasing gelatine concentration and increasing offset between the needle parts. Motion through gelatine was achieved with a maximum push force of 0.035 N. This study indicates the possibility of needle propagation into a substrate with low net push force and without the need of serrations on the needle surface.

Biomimetics
Percutaneous interventions
Wasp ovipositor

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:4f228afd-ce39-431c-8d5c-9dd69b58f671

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-42417-0_28

Springer, Berlin, Germany

9783319424163

Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems: Proceedings of the 5th International Conference Living Machines 2016

5th International Conference on Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems, Living Machines 2016, 2016-07-19 → 2016-07-22, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Lecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics), 03029743, 9793

Accepted Author Manuscript

Institutional Repository

conference paper

© 2016 Tim Sprang, P. Breedveld, D. Dodou