Magnetic beads could peruse your innards

We've got a sneaking suspicion that the whole idea of "minimally invasive" procedures will soon become a matter of perspective, as Canadian researchers are dreaming up yet another method of perusing parts of your innards you never thought possible. If the brilliant minds at École Polytechnique Montréal have their way, microscopic medical beads could eventually be used to inspect, pass medicines, and take a joyride through even the smallest tubes in your body. Already being tested on live pig (and showing outstanding results, too), the idea is to utilize MRI machines to magnetically push objects through the bloodstream, which could reach locales that modern day surgeries can't. Interestingly enough, this procedure has far exceeded the brainstorming stage, and if you're one of those strong-stomached type, be sure to hit the read link for a couple of live action videos of the process.

[Jypson @ Mar 25th 2007 2:00AM]

You need a strong stomach to watch an animated dot move in an animated tube?

[Gary Combs @ Mar 25th 2007 2:01AM]

Whats strange about this is that I was thinking about this last night... But just as a use for removing cholesterol. Kinda eerie, but oh well.

[Taylor @ Mar 25th 2007 2:40AM]

sweet
-Taylor

[Thomas @ Mar 25th 2007 3:13AM]

Man, the idea of bead running through my body is sending shivers inside. What will they think of next??

http://www.businesscliparts.com

[Nick @ Mar 25th 2007 3:36AM]

This isn't the only thing magnetic "beads" get used for. There are research groups developing magnetic beads that bind to cancer cells, which can then be exposed to a magnetic field to make the bead vibrate and give off heat. Cancer cells will die at a slightly lower temperature than normal cells, so careful control of the field power lets you selectively kill off cancer cells.

[aleph @ Mar 25th 2007 6:42AM]

Fortress anyone?

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106950/

[Phyrewall @ Mar 25th 2007 1:33PM]

Interesting tech, look forward to having my nacho cheese laden arteries cleaned by this in about 10 years. Anyone else notice that they use Trillian at work? LOL.

[Jay Hash @ Mar 25th 2007 4:07PM]

WOW Guys! Isn't this awesome that this "news" aired in the show/documentary "2057" on the discovery channel like last month? I love being behind in the times! It's awesome!

~JYH

[Tom @ Mar 25th 2007 8:57PM]

a round of applause please for engadget for not cracking a joke about Canada for once.

[srw @ Mar 26th 2007 12:11AM]

Sounds like it could have a lot of potential--could be used to deliver drugs/radiation to a tumor or block blood vessels feeding tumors. Might even be used to stop a gastrointestinal bleed.
I don't think knocking loose plaque from arteries would be a very good idea however.. good way to cause an embolic stroke.

[Seventhexile @ Mar 26th 2007 12:23PM]

I don't think I'd be comfortable by the idea of having anything metallic / magnetic inside of me... then having it go through an MRI ..

Theres a reason why they ask you to remove any body jewelry or are hesitant to preform an MRI if you have any type of internal metal screws or plates.

then again no one else has mentioned anything about this.. so I guess I'm missing something