Elephant Nose Electric Fish
A type of weakly electric fish is the inspiration behind a vascular navigation system.
(click to play)
The fish uses electrolocation for navigation & communication.
Electro-generation
The electric organ emits a low electric charge and generates a weak electric field around its body.
Electro-reception
Specialised receptor cells (electro-receptors) across the fish's skin detect changes to the electric field when it comes into contact with close by objects. By measuring these changes the fish can form an electric image of its surroundings & navigate.
Vascular Navigation Technology - Based on the Weak Electric Fish
Lots of research has been carried out to understand electrolocation - particularly how fish measure changes to the electric field. This knowledge has been applied to create a technology that enhances vascular procedures. Boston Scientific have come up with 'DIRECTSENSE™ Technology'. Their catheter has a ring of electrodes at it's tip which produces a small electric field. Changes in the vessel (e.g. plaque) cause a shift to the field. This shift (local impedance) is measured, which provides the physician with more information regarding the catheter's exact position and changes in the vessel.
Learn more about DIRECTSENSE™ Technology here.
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[Sutton, E.E. et al. (2020) ‘Biologically inspired catheter for endovascular sensing and navigation’, Scientific Reports, 10(1). doi:10.1038/s41598-020-62360-w.]