Microelectromechanical systems in urology.

S ince the mid-1980s, minimally invasive surgery has evolved with the creation of such devices as 3-mm instruments and miniature probes for percutaneous therapies. However, one must ask, “When does it end? How small is too small?” This fundamental question is the foundation of microelectromechanical systems or MEMS technology. Although images of the 1966 film Fantastic Voyage, in which a group of humans are miniaturized and travel within the vascular system of a human, may come to mind, MEMS technology is in no way science fiction. Rather, it is the integration of decades of knowledge from many fields that allows us to interact with the physical world at a level once thought to be impossible. MEMS technology is based on techniques used in the semiconductor fabrication industry and has generated significant enthusiasm among physicians and surgeons in recent years. At their most basic levels, MEMS are devices with dimensions of micrometers to a few millimeters that combine electrical and mechanical components to acquire data or do work. An exhaustive review of the biomedical applications of MEMS is beyond the scope of this review. Rather, its purpose is to introduce the urologist to this exciting technology and present the existing and future ways in which this technology will aid the clinician.