Magnetic Soft Robotic Valve for Minimally Invasive Therapy of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Abstract

Sphincter dysfunction contributes to various diseases, notably in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Current GERD treatments are limited by side effects, invasive surgical implants, risk of nerve injury, and complications such as dysphagia. To overcome this challenge, we report a magnetic soft robotic valve for minimally invasive treatment of sphincter dysfunction. The valve employs soft magnetic ring-shaped lattice structures that attract each other to form a robust seal, preventing leakage under external pressures exceeding 7.5 kPa, well above typical gastric reflux pressures (3.2 kPa). On-demand valve opening is enabled via a wearable magnetic actuation system, ensuring controlled passage of food. The device withstands radial forces exceeding 3.5 N during simulated peristalsis and is validated through delivery, sealing, and solid-passage tests in esophageal phantom and ex vivo sheep models, visualized using X-ray imaging. The proposed method thus is promising for enabling early, minimally invasive intervention for gastrointestinal and other organ disorders.