A Novel Soft and Inflatable Strain-Based Tactile Sensing Balloon for Enhanced Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer Polyps via Colonoscopy

In this article, with the goal of addressing the lack of tactile feedback in colorectal cancer (CRC) polyps diagnosis using a colonoscopy procedure, we propose the design and fabrication of a novel soft and inflatable strain-based tactile sensing balloon (SI-STSB). The proposed soft sensor features a unique stretchable sensing layer—that utilizes a liquid metal injected within spiral-shape microchannels of a stretchable substrate—and is integrated with a unique inflatable balloon mechanism. The proposed SI-STSB has been thoroughly characterized through different calibration experiments. Results demonstrate a phenomenal adjustable sensitivity with low hysteresis behavior under different experimental conditions for this sensor making it a great candidate for enhancing the existing diagnosis procedures.