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Mechatronics in Medicine | MiM Lab

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

Head of Group

B415C Bessemer Building
South Kensington Campus

+44 (0)20 7594 7046

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

Dr Daniel Bautista Salinas
Research Associate

Dr Kaiwen Chen
Research Associate

Dr Zejian Cui
Research Associate

Mr Connor Daly
Research Postgraduate

Emeritus Professor Brian L Davies FREng
Emeritus Professor

Dr Hisham M Iqbal
Honorary Research Associate

Mr Alex Tian Jie Ranne
Casual - Lib. Ass, Clerks & Gen. Admin Assistants

Professor Ferdinando M Rodriguez y Baena
Co-Director of Hamlyn Centre, Professor of Medical Robotics

Dr Jialei Shi
Research Associate

Mr Spyridon Souipas
Casual - Other work

Ms Emilia Zari
Research Postgraduate

Citation

BibTex format

@article{Giles:2021:10.1371/journal.pone.0251880,
author = {Giles, JW and Broden, C and Tempelaere, C and Emery, RJH and Rodriguez, y Baena F},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0251880},
journal = {PLoS One},
title = {Development and <i>ex-vivo</i> assessment of a novel patient specific guide and instrumentation system for minimally invasive total shoulder arthroplasty},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0251880},
volume = {16},
year = {2021}
}

Download

RIS format (EndNote, RefMan)

TY  - JOUR
AB  - ObjectiveTo develop and assess a novel guidance technique and instrumentation system for minimally invasive short-stemmed total shoulder arthroplasty that will help to reduce the complications associated with traditional open replacement such as poor muscle healing and neurovascular injury. We have answered key questions about the developed system including (1) can novel patient-specific guides be accurately registered and used within a minimally invasive environment?; (2) can accuracy similar to traditional techniques be achieved?MethodsA novel intra-articular patient-specific guide was developed for use with a new minimally invasive posterior surgical approach that guides bone preparation without requiring muscle resection or joint dislocation. Additionally, a novel set of instruments were developed to enable bone preparation within the minimally invasive environment. The full procedure was evaluated in six cadaveric shoulders, using digitizations to assess accuracy of each step.ResultsPatient-specific guide registration accuracy in 3D translation was 2.2±1.2mm (RMSE±1 SD; p = 0.007) for the humeral component and 2.7±0.7mm (p<0.001) for the scapula component. Final implantation accuracy was 2.9±3.0mm (p = 0.066) in translation and 5.7–6.8±2.2–4.0° (0.001<p<0.009) across the humerus implants’ three rotations. Similarly, the glenoid component’s implantation accuracy was 3.0±1.7mm (p = 0.008) in translation and 2.3–4.3±2.2–4.4° (0.008<p<0.09) in rotation.ConclusionThis system achieves minimally invasive shoulder replacement with accuracy similar to traditional open techniques while avoiding common causes of complications.SignificanceThis novel technique could lead to a paradigm shift in shoulder arthroplasty for patients with moderate arthritis, which could significantly improve rehabilitation and functional outcomes.
AU  - Giles,JW
AU  - Broden,C
AU  - Tempelaere,C
AU  - Emery,RJH
AU  - Rodriguez,y Baena F
DO  - 10.1371/journal.pone.0251880
PY  - 2021///
SN  - 1932-6203
TI  - Development and <i>ex-vivo</i> assessment of a novel patient specific guide and instrumentation system for minimally invasive total shoulder arthroplasty
T2  - PLoS One
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0251880
UR  - https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000664632300037&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=a2bf6146997ec60c407a63945d4e92bb
VL  - 16
ER  -