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

@article{Alian:2023:10.1016/j.tige.2022.11.006,
author = {Alian, A and Zari, E and Wang, Z and Franco, E and Avery, JP and Runciman, M and Lo, B and Rodriguez, y Baena F and Mylonas, G},
doi = {10.1016/j.tige.2022.11.006},
journal = {Techniques and Innovations in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy},
pages = {67--81},
title = {Current engineering developments for robotic systems in flexible endoscopy},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tige.2022.11.006},
volume = {25},
year = {2023}
}

RIS format (EndNote, RefMan)

TY  - JOUR
AB - The past four decades have seen an increase in the incidence of early-onset gastrointestinal cancer. Because early-stage cancer detection is vital to reduce mortality rate, mass screening colonoscopy provides the most effective prevention strategy. However, conventional endoscopy is a painful and technically challenging procedure that requires sedation and experienced endoscopists to be performed. To overcome the current limitations, technological innovation is needed in colonoscopy. In recent years, researchers worldwide have worked to enhance the diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities of endoscopes. The new frontier of endoscopic interventions is represented by robotic flexible endoscopy. Among all options, self-propelling soft endoscopes are particularly promising thanks to their dexterity and adaptability to the curvilinear gastrointestinal anatomy. For these devices to replace the standard endoscopes, integration with embedded sensors and advanced surgical navigation technologies must be investigated. In this review, the progress in robotic endoscopy was divided into the fundamental areas of design, sensing, and imaging. The article offers an overview of the most promising advancements on these three topics since 2018. Continuum endoscopes, capsule endoscopes, and add-on endoscopic devices were included, with a focus on fluid-driven, tendon-driven, and magnetic actuation. Sensing methods employed for the shape and force estimation of flexible endoscopes were classified into model- and sensor-based approaches. Finally, some key contributions in molecular imaging technologies, artificial neural networks, and software algorithms are described. Open challenges are discussed to outline a path toward clinical practice for the next generation of endoscopic devices.
AU - Alian,A
AU - Zari,E
AU - Wang,Z
AU - Franco,E
AU - Avery,JP
AU - Runciman,M
AU - Lo,B
AU - Rodriguez,y Baena F
AU - Mylonas,G
DO - 10.1016/j.tige.2022.11.006
EP - 81
PY - 2023///
SN - 2590-0307
SP - 67
TI - Current engineering developments for robotic systems in flexible endoscopy
T2 - Techniques and Innovations in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tige.2022.11.006
VL - 25
ER -

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