Researchers at the University of Cambridge, UK, have developed an inflatable spinal implant for the treatment of severe pain without invasive surgery.
The device uses soft robotic fabrication methods along with ultra-thin electronics and microfluidics.
With a width similar to that of a human hair, the device can be rolled up, placed in a needle and implanted into the spinal column’s epidural space.
On inflation with water or air, the implant unrolls and covers a large portion of the spinal cord.
