The MIM Lab develops robotic and mechatronics surgical systems for a variety of procedures.

Head of Group

Prof Ferdinando Rodriguez y Baena

B415C Bessemer Building
South Kensington Campus

+44 (0)20 7594 7046

⇒ X: @fmryb

 

What we do

The Mechatronics in Medicine Laboratory develops robotic and mechatronics surgical systems for a variety of procedures including neuro, cardiovascular, orthopaedic surgeries, and colonoscopies. Examples include bio-inspired catheters that can navigate along complex paths within the brain (such as EDEN2020), soft robots to explore endoluminal anatomies (such as the colon), and virtual reality solutions to support surgeons during knee replacement surgeries.

Why is it important

The integration of mechatronics into medicine addresses critical challenges in modern healthcare by enhancing the precision, safety, and efficiency of surgical procedures. Traditional surgeries often involve significant risks and extended recovery times. By developing robotic systems that offer greater accuracy and control, we aim to minimise these risks and reduce invasiveness. Our research contributes to the advancement of minimally invasive techniques, which are essential for improving patient outcomes and optimising healthcare resources. Furthermore, our work supports the training of the next generation of surgeons, equipping them with cutting-edge tools and methodologies that reflect the evolving landscape of medical technology.

How can it benefit patients

Patients stand to gain significantly from the innovations developed at the Mechatronics in Medicine Laboratory. Our robotic systems are designed to perform surgeries with enhanced precision, leading to fewer complications and faster recovery times. Minimally invasive procedures facilitated by our technologies result in less postoperative pain and reduced scarring, improving the overall patient experience. Additionally, the increased accuracy of our systems can lead to better surgical outcomes, such as more complete tumour removals or more precise joint replacements, thereby improving long-term health prospects. By pushing the boundaries of medical robotics, we strive to make advanced surgical care more accessible and effective for patients worldwide.

Meet the team

Citation

BibTex format

@inproceedings{Darwood:2019:10.29007/wkh3,
author = {Darwood, A and Hurst, S and Villatte, G and Fenton, R and Tatti, F and El-Daou, H and Reilly, P and Emery, R and Rodriguez, Y Baena F},
doi = {10.29007/wkh3},
pages = {110--114},
publisher = {EasyChair},
title = {Towards a commercial system for intraoperative manufacture of patient-specific guides for shoulder arthroplasty},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.29007/wkh3},
year = {2019}
}

RIS format (EndNote, RefMan)

TY  - CPAPER
AB - The accurate placement of orthopaedic implants according to a biomechanically derived preoperative plan is an important consideration in the long-term success of these interventions. Guidance technologies are widely described however, high cost, complex theatre integration, intraoperative inefficiency and functional limitations have prevented the widespread use. A novel, intraoperative mechatronics platform is presented, capable of the rapid, intraoperative manufacture of low-cost patient-specific guides. The device consists of a tableside robot with sterile drapes and some low cost, sterile disposable components. The robot comprises a 3D optical scanner, a three-axis sterile computer numerical control (CNC) drill and a two-axis receptacle into which the disposable consumables may be inserted. The sterile consumable comprises a region of rapidly setting moldable material and a clip allowing it to be reversibly attached to the tableside robot. In use, patient computed tomography (CT) imaging is obtained at any point prior to surgery and a surgical plan is created on associated software. This plan describes the axis and positioning of one or more guidewires which may, in turn, locate the prosthesis into position. Intraoperatively, osseous anatomy is exposed, and the sterile disposable is used to rapidly create a mould of the joint surface. Once set, the mould is inserted into the robot and an optical scan of the surface is taken followed by automatic surface registration, bringing the optical scan into the same coordinate frame of reference as the CT data and plan. The CNC drill is orientated such that the drill axis and position exactly matches the planned axis and position with respect to the moulded surface. A guide hole is drilled into the mould blank, which is removed from the robot and placed back into the patient with the moulded surface ensuring exact replacement. A wire is subsequently driven through the guide hole into the osseous anatomy in accordance with
AU - Darwood,A
AU - Hurst,S
AU - Villatte,G
AU - Fenton,R
AU - Tatti,F
AU - El-Daou,H
AU - Reilly,P
AU - Emery,R
AU - Rodriguez,Y Baena F
DO - 10.29007/wkh3
EP - 114
PB - EasyChair
PY - 2019///
SP - 110
TI - Towards a commercial system for intraoperative manufacture of patient-specific guides for shoulder arthroplasty
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.29007/wkh3
UR - https://easychair.org/publications/paper/rH7J
ER -

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The Hamlyn Centre
Bessemer Building
South Kensington Campus
Imperial College
London, SW7 2AZ
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