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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{Iranpour:2010,
author = {Iranpour, F and Merican, AM and Rodriguez, y Baena F and Cobb, JP and Amis, AA},
journal = {J Orthop Res},
pages = {589--594},
title = {Patellofemoral Joint Kinematics: The Circular Path of the Patella around the Trochlear Axis},
volume = {28},
year = {2010}
}

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RIS format (EndNote, RefMan)

TY - JOUR
AB - Differing descriptions of patellar motion relative to the femur have resulted from previous studies. We hypothesized that patellar kinematics would correlate to the trochlear geometry and that differing descriptions could be reconciled by accounting for differing alignments of measurement axes. Seven normal fresh-frozen knees were CT scanned, and their kinematics with quadriceps loading was measured by an optical tracker system. Kinematics was calculated in relation to the femoral epicondylar, anatomic, and mechanical axes. A novel trochlear axis was defined, between the centers of spheres best fitted to the medial and lateral trochlear articular surfaces. The path of the center of the patella was circular and uniplanar (root-mean-square error 0.3 mm) above 16 +/- 3 degrees (mean +/- SD) knee flexion. In the coronal plane, this circle was aligned 6 +/- 2 degrees from the femoral anatomical axis, close to the mechanical axis alignment. It was 91 +/- 3 degrees from the epicondylar axis, and 88 +/- 3 degrees from the trochlear axis. In the transverse plane it was 91 +/- 3 degrees and 88 +/- 3 degrees from the epicondylar and trochlear axes, respectively. Manipulation of the data to different axis alignments showed that differing previously published data could be reconciled. The circular path of patellar motion around the trochlea, aligned with the mechanical axis of the leg, is easily visualized and understood. (C) 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:589-594, 2010
AU - Iranpour,F
AU - Merican,AM
AU - Rodriguez,y Baena F
AU - Cobb,JP
AU - Amis,AA
EP - 594
PY - 2010///
SN - 0736-0266
SP - 589
TI - Patellofemoral Joint Kinematics: The Circular Path of the Patella around the Trochlear Axis
T2 - J Orthop Res
VL - 28
ER -

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