Innovative Ultrasound-Activated Cilia for Cleaning Implanted Medical Devices

Recent advancements in medical technology have introduced a novel method for maintaining implanted medical devices such as stents and catheters. Researchers from ETH Zurich, led by Professor Daniel Ahmed and Francesco Clavica from the University of Bern's ARTORG Center, have developed ultrasound-activated artificial cilia that can be coated onto the surfaces of these devices. This innovative approach leverages the principles of acoustic streaming, where micro-structures like cilia generate a stream of fluid when stimulated by ultrasound waves. Unlike traditional cleaning methods that often require device removal, this technology enables non-invasive cleaning.

Implanted devices like urinary stents and ureteral catheters are crucial for draining urine in both human and veterinary medicine. However, their effectiveness is often compromised by bacterial biofilms and crystalline deposits, known as encrustations, which develop rapidly after implantation. These deposits can cause painful obstructions and urinary infections, leading to the need for frequent replacements, which affect patients' quality of life and increase healthcare costs.

The research team conducted microfluidics experiments simulating the environment inside stented ureters. They discovered that surfaces equipped with micro-structures such as cilia could efficiently create fluid streams when exposed to ultrasound, significantly enhancing the removal of biofilms and encrustations. Their findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, demonstrated that such biofilms could be cleared within seconds or minutes, a result that surpassed expectations.

The potential applications extend beyond urology. The researchers envision future medical devices with embedded cilia on their surfaces, capable of being activated remotely through the skin to generate an effective flushing mechanism. This technology promises to reduce the frequency of device replacements, minimize invasive procedures, and improve patient comfort. The next phase involves developing prototypes for animal testing and exploring scalable, sustainable manufacturing methods, with plans to establish a spin-off company.

This breakthrough signifies a major step toward smarter, self-maintaining medical implants that could revolutionize device management and patient care in various medical fields.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-ultrasound-cilia-implanted-stents-catheters.html