Micromechanisms for laser phonosurgery: A Review of Actuators and Compliants Parts

Sergio Lescano, Nicolas Andreff, FEMTO-ST Institute, France

Recent advances in the area of micromechanisms have increased potential for an early detection and a better treatment against diseases of vocal folds. With microdevices, mechanisms can be designed to guide the laser beam closer to the vocal fold for an accurate treatment. Micromechanisms are designed in accordance to the restrictions of the microworld and requirements of the task, namely limited space, biocompatibility and severe accuracy (micrometric or submicrometric). To do so, the actuators and structures used in these micromechanisms are often smarts materials and compliants structures. The aim of this review is twofold: first, to provide a survey of technological state of the art in each type of actuation principles for microdevices, such as electrostatics, shape-memory alloy, thermal, magnetics and piezoelectrics actuators. Their advantages and drawbacks will be discussed with particular regard to biocompatibility. Second, a collection of engineering tools for the design of flexure hinges in compliant mechanisms will be provided.