2026-04-01
Nynke M. Ansems, Dalibor Vasilic, Paul Breedveld
Flexible biopsy needles are essential for minimally invasive cancer diagnostics, enabling core biopsy sampling through endoscopic and catheter-based procedures. These approaches allow clinicians to access deep-seated or anatomically challenging lesions while reducing patient risk compared to traditional percutaneous methods. However, the shift toward minimally invasive techniques imposes competing design demands on the biopsy needle tip, which must be miniaturized and flexible enough to navigate narrow lumens while maintaining cutting efficiency and retaining adequate tissue samples for clinical diagnosis. This review presents a patent-based analysis of flexible core biopsy needle designs, focusing on mechanisms at the needle tip that govern tissue cutting and retention. We systematically evaluated 65 international patent applications and developed a classification framework for cutting and gripping strategies. Using this framework, we identified dominant technological trends and highlighted underexplored concepts. Forward-cutting tips combined with suction or macroshape grips that engage the sample from the front dominate current designs due to their mechanical simplicity. However, alternative approaches such as compliant tip designs and multidirectional cutting mechanisms offer opportunities to enhance tissue yield without increasing device diameter. Implementing these innovations could reduce the need for repeated insertions, improve sampling efficiency, and enable access to lesions previously considered unreachable. This review provides an overview of flexible core biopsy needle designs and offers insights to guide future innovations that advance minimally invasive cancer diagnostics.
DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2026.17716552026-03-20
Gargi Singh, Manav Singh, Anjanasree Murali, Sanyam Gandhi, Om V. Singh
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an escalating threat to infection control in dentistry, where dense multispecies biofilms and frequent device-tissue contact can select for and disseminate antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The oral cavity functions as a reservoir and exchange network for ARGs (the oral resistome), enabling multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections and treatment failure, particularly on dental implants, restorative materials, and dental unit waterlines when reprocessing or maintenance is inadequate. Anti-biofilm surface engineering, including antimicrobial peptide-functionalized coatings, silver-based nanostructures, and nitric oxide-releasing platforms, offers non-antibiotic approaches to reduce adhesion and disrupt early biofilm development. However, translation requires addressing durability, long-term biocompatibility and toxicology (e.g., ion release), the potential for resistance or tolerance under sublethal exposure, and clinically meaningful validation in relevant multispecies models and human studies. Regulatory expectations (e.g., FDA quality system requirements under 21 CFR Part 820 and international standards ISO 13485, ISO 14971, and ISO 10993-1) frame risk management, antimicrobial performance claims, sterilization/reprocessing validation, and postmarket surveillance. Aligning antimicrobial stewardship with validated device design, sterilization, and monitoring strategies is essential to mitigate AMR proliferation and improve long-term clinical outcomes. This article is a comprehensive narrative review focusing on AMR in dental devices, materials innovation, and regulatory frameworks.
DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2026.17500062026-03-03
Aleksandra Kukla, Alex Slutzker, Alexandra Perez Alterman, Petar Veruovic, Michael Glikson, Shuli Silberman, Amir Lerman, Lilach O. Lerman, Talya Wolak
BackgroundUncontrolled hypertension is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Electro-hydraulic acoustic therapy (eHAT) is a non-invasive treatment that may lower blood pressure (BP), but its safety and efficacy in CKD remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate eHAT's feasibility and safety in this population.MethodsIn this single-arm, prospective, single-center proof-of-concept study, CKD patients received six eHAT treatments over three weeks. BP was assessed in-office (attended and unattended) at baseline and at 4-, 12-, 24-, and 48-weeks post-treatment. Ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) was performed at baseline, 12, and 48 weeks. The primary endpoint was change in systolic office BP (OBP) from baseline to 12 weeks. Secondary endpoints included additional BP measurements, kidney function, and safety.ResultsFifteen patients completed all follow-ups. At 12 weeks, mean systolic OBP decreased by 9.73 mmHg (SD 14.77; p = 0.0032) and remained significantly lower at 24 weeks (−7.67 mmHg; p = 0.0335) and 48 weeks (−19.40 mmHg; p < 0.0001). Diastolic OBP reductions were significant at 12 (p = 0.0413) and 48 weeks (p = 0.0022). By 12 weeks, 26% of participants reduced the number or dose of antihypertensive medications. Kidney function remained stable throughout. No safety signals were detected.ConclusionOur study highlights the feasibility and tolerability of eHAT in patients with CKD and HTN. Nonetheless, due to the small sample size and lack of a control group, these findings should be considered preliminary.
DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2026.17353192026-02-19
Saumya Jamuar, Richard Palmer, Zi Qiang Teo, Stuart Lee, Petra Helmholz, Shermaine Chan, Gareth Baynam
IntroductionThe promise of precision medicine lies in its ability to provide greater diagnostic accuracy and customized therapy by filtering out patients less likely to benefit from it. Our study focuses on the importance of reducing uncertainty in interpretation of individuals 3D facial data to support more equitable precision medicine applications. The Human Genome Project and subsequent advances in sequencing have led to the creation of vast genetic datasets, predominantly representing individuals of European origin. However, there is a significant underrepresentation of individuals of African, Asian, and Indigenous ancestries.MethodsThe study involved 1,218 participants from various genetic ancestries backgrounds, with a focus on the paediatric population of Chinese genetic ancestry. The study subjects underwent 3D facial photogrammetry in outpatient department setting and with the aid of Cliniface software growth curves were obtained to produce reference statistics of 3D facial norms.ResultsThe results showed measurable and distinct facial differences in children with Chinese genetic ancestry when compared with other groups representing different genetic ancestries highlighting the need for population diversity and inclusion enrichment in genetic databases. Also, these facial differences and markers are uniquely poised to be correlated in clinic as disease specific digital biomarkers with further investigation and validation in conditions such as hereditary angioedema.DiscussionThe study underscores the importance of creating larger datasets involving more diverse genetic ancestry groups to enhance the evidence base for advanced and equitable disease diagnosis, treatment monitoring, prognostication and customized drug development.
DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2026.17175352026-02-03
Yasmin Garcia-Sterling, Karim Farghaly, Michael Pitt
The efficacy of wayfinding systems in healthcare settings holds significant implications for many users, including patients, visitors, and healthcare professionals. Traditional systems, anchor examples in spatial design principles, frequently overlook the variegated needs of individuals, especially those with physical and mental disabilities. This narrow focus culminates in a one-size-fits-all approach that fails to address the intricate diversity of user requirements, thereby compromising sensory spatial information that aids a user's real-time neurophysiological needs. To rectify this, the narrative review paper reviews the potential contribution of the ecology of wayfinding for understanding healthier wayfinding solutions. It proposes a paradigm shift towards a user-centric wayfinding model in healthcare facilities. Building on a nuanced understanding of the diverse needs and neurological factors affecting healthcare users, this paper describes and synthesises elements that adapt to the triangulation from the Human Activity Accessible Technology, (HAAT) to understand hospital users' wayfinding needs at a temporal to spatial level. Lastly, anticipating the novel conceptual framework to be considered a curb-cut effect for a therapeutic, user-based wayfinding system, beyond the assistive technology phenomenon. Adopting a humanistic lens, the framework aims to elevate the well-being and comfort of users by incorporating inclusion criteria into digital wayfinding systems. The paper concludes by identifying areas for future research to integrate user-based real-time capabilities into healthcare wayfinding technology, thereby aligning therapeutic objectives with an inclusive and supportive healthcare environment.
DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2025.1323446