According to the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich), the new microstents, which are 0.05mm wide and 0.5mm long, could be used to help widen life-threatening constrictions of the urinary tract in foetuses in the womb.
Stents have been used to treat blocked coronary vessels for some time now, but the urinary tract in foetuses is much narrower in comparison.
Paediatric surgeons at the Aargau Cantonal Hospital contacted the Multi-Scale Robotics Lab at ETH Zurich to propose a new smaller stent.
The researchers used heat from a laser beam to cut a three-dimensional template – a 3D negative – into a micromould layer that was dissolved with a solvent. The negative was then filled with a polymer and set using UV light. The 3D stent was revealed by dissolving the template in a solvent bath.
“The shape-memory polymer is suitable for treating urethral strictures. When compressed, the stent can be pushed through the affected area. Then, once in place, it returns to its original shape and widens the constricted area of the urinary tract,” paediatric surgeon Gaston de Bernardis said.
In the next step, the stents must be tested in animal models before being tested in humans.
Popular Stories
More
Foreign affairs
European nations snub Swiss-made weapons over Ukraine restrictions
What do you think Switzerland’s Alain Berset can bring to the Council of Europe?
The former interior minister is to become the first Swiss Secretary General of the Council of Europe – which issues should his five-year term focus on?
Swiss canton wants to test collection of electronic signatures for initiatives
This content was published on
St Gallen wants to become the first Swiss canton to use electronic signatures (e-collecting) for referendums or initiatives.
Swiss government launches attempt to secure 2038 Winter Olympics
This content was published on
After failing to host the Winter Olympics in 2030 and 2034, Switzerland is trying again - this time for the 2038 Winter Games.
Study highlights Swiss cantons’ failings over adoptions from India
This content was published on
A Swiss study released on Friday has revealed that cantons Thurgau and Zurich are responsible for shortcomings linked to adoptions of children from India.
Glacier melt causes changes to Swiss-Italian border
This content was published on
Switzerland has adapted its borders with Italy and France. The changes with Italy are linked to melting glaciers, while those with France concern a tram line and rivers in the Geneva region.
Zermatt restaurateurs sentenced for defying Covid-19 measures
This content was published on
A Swiss court has given three restaurateurs in Zermatt, who were arrested in 2021 after repeatedly ignoring police orders to close their establishment, suspended sentences and fines.
Report: one in five Swiss tunnels damaged, but safe
This content was published on
According to Switzerland's Federal Roads Office (Astra), national roads are in good condition overall. Almost one in five tunnels has moderate damage but they are safe, it said on Thursday.
Swiss couple sentenced for enslaving two housekeepers
This content was published on
A 46-year-old Swiss man has received a three year sentence, including nine months in jail, for exploiting, locking up and handcuffing two housekeepers he brought to Switzerland between 2018 and 2019.
Zurich Film Festival drops screening of ‘Russians at War’ documentary
This content was published on
The organisers of the Zurich Film Festival have decided not to show the controversial documentary Russians at War due to "safety considerations",
Swiss air traffic control upgrade slows tempo for safety reasons
This content was published on
The upgrade of Switzerland’s air traffic control system will take longer than anticipated following a series of malfunctions.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.