Fundamental design rules for the conception of microdevices to be propelled in the blood circulatory system through magnetic gradients generated by a clinical MRI system

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems are widely used to gather non-invasively images of the interior of the human body but can also be used to propel and guide special microdevices in the human body to perform specific medical tasks. As such, the design of such microdevices must be suitable to operate in such an environment and within specific constraints. This paper addresses some of the fundamental design issues including but not limited to the overall dimensions of the device, the materials used, the shape of the device, biocompatibility and toxicity, and the force induced for propulsion.