Power characteristics of 3-D operated microturbines for minimally invasive therapy

Radial microturbines which can be integrated onto minimally invasive surgical tools are presented. With view to medical compatibility the turbines are operated using water. The fluid is delivered in normal direction to the turbine rotor which is realised by a hybrid set-up of assembled turbine components. The required microcomponents are fabricated using LIGA technology and mechanical microengineering resulting in multi-stepped microstructures, if necessary. The power characteristics of the turbines have been evaluated by macromodels with respect to hydrodynamic similarity laws. Thus, a design with a maximum power output is found. The turbines provide high numbers of revolutions making them particularly useful for milling and drilling operations.