Dissolving blood clots with flow-generating microbots

AI Summary

Researchers are investigating flow-generating microbots as a way to deliver clot-dissolving medication to blood clots that can be difficult to reach. Such clots can cause serious conditions including stroke, heart attack, and pulmonary embolism.

When a blood clot blocks a blood vessel, it is a very dangerous situation, as it can mean that parts of the brain, the heart muscle or the lungs no longer receive an adequate blood supply. This can result in a stroke, a heart attack or a pulmonary embolism. There are medications that can dissolve a blood clot—also known as a thrombus. However, depending on the clot's size, getting them to where they are needed can be difficult.