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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{Frasson:2010:10.1504/IJISTA.2010.03022,
author = {Frasson, L and Parittotokkaporn, T and Davies, BL and Rodriguez, y Baena F},
doi = {10.1504/IJISTA.2010.03022},
journal = {International Journal of Intelligent Systems Technologies and Applications},
pages = {409--422},
title = {Early developments of a novel smart actuator inspired by nature},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1504/IJISTA.2010.03022},
volume = {8},
year = {2010}
}

Download

RIS format (EndNote, RefMan)

TY  - JOUR
AB  - Current research at Imperial College focuses on the development of a novel neurosurgical probe for Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS), which exploits the design of certain ovipositing wasps. While conventional instruments are rigid and only used to achieve straight-line trajectories, the biomimetic design will enable curved paths connecting any entry point to any target within the brain to be followed autonomously. This paper reports on the successful outcome of an early feasibility study, where two of the key concepts behind the design are investigated: a robotic actuator was developed to demonstrate effective soft tissue traversal by reciprocating custom-built anisotropic surface textures, without the need to apply an external force to push the tissue along. Then, custom-designed rigid probes with bio-inspired surface topographies were fabricated and tested on cadaveric porcine brain with the aim to characterise the insertion and extraction forces due to friction and tribological interaction with biological tissue. © 2010 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
AU  - Frasson,L
AU  - Parittotokkaporn,T
AU  - Davies,BL
AU  - Rodriguez,y Baena F
DO  - 10.1504/IJISTA.2010.03022
EP  - 422
PY  - 2010///
SN  - 1740-8865
SP  - 409
TI  - Early developments of a novel smart actuator inspired by nature
T2  - International Journal of Intelligent Systems Technologies and Applications
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1504/IJISTA.2010.03022
VL  - 8
ER  -