Pneumatically deployed net system for endoscopic removal of foreign object

Endoscopic tools are widely used for removal of a foreign object from hard-to-reach areas in various applications including medical ones. However, metallic grabbers typically used for such endoscopic removal always bear the risk of accidently damaging surrounding surfaces or losing the grabbed object. Use of flexible grabbing systems such as a net would greatly reduce such risks by gently handling the object and yielding upon contact with the surroundings. In this study, a new object removing plan using a flexible grabbing system with object-locking is presented along with its realization through a pneumatically operated net and designated hook.