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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{Darwood:2016:10.1142/S2424905X16500057,
author = {Darwood, A and Secoli, R and Bowyer, SA and Leibinger, A and Richards, R and Reilly, P and Darwood, A and Tambe, A and Emery, R and Rodriguez, y Baena F},
doi = {10.1142/S2424905X16500057},
journal = {Journal of Medical Robotics Research},
title = {Intraoperative manufacturing of patient specific instrumentation for shoulder arthroplasty: a novel mechatronic approach},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/S2424905X16500057},
volume = {1},
year = {2016}
}

Download

RIS format (EndNote, RefMan)

TY  - JOUR
AB  - Optimal orthopaedic implant placement is a major contributing factor to the long term success of all common joint arthroplasty procedures. Devicessuch as three-dimensional (3D) printed, bespoke guides and orthopaedic robots are extensively described in the literature and have been shownto enhance prosthesis placement accuracy. These technologies, however, have significant drawbacks, such as logistical and temporal inefficiency,high cost, cumbersome nature and difficult theatre integration. A new technology for the rapid intraoperative production of patient specific instrumentation,which overcomes many of the disadvantages of existing technologies, is presented here. The technology comprises a reusable table sidemachine, bespoke software and a disposable element comprising a region of standard geometry and a body of mouldable material. Anatomicaldata from Computed Tomography (CT) scans of 10 human scapulae was collected and, in each case, the optimal glenoid guidewire position wasdigitally planned and recorded. The achieved accuracy compared to the preoperative bespoke plan was measured in all glenoids, from both a conventionalgroup and a guided group. The technology was successfully able to intraoperatively produce sterile, patient specific guides according toa pre-operative plan in 5 minutes, with no additional manufacturing required prior to surgery. Additionally, the average guide wire placement accuracywas 1.58 mm and 6.82 degrees in the manual group, and 0.55 mm and 1.76 degrees in the guided group, also demonstrating a statisticallysignificant improvement.
AU  - Darwood,A
AU  - Secoli,R
AU  - Bowyer,SA
AU  - Leibinger,A
AU  - Richards,R
AU  - Reilly,P
AU  - Darwood,A
AU  - Tambe,A
AU  - Emery,R
AU  - Rodriguez,y Baena F
DO  - 10.1142/S2424905X16500057
PY  - 2016///
SN  - 2424-905X
TI  - Intraoperative manufacturing of patient specific instrumentation for shoulder arthroplasty: a novel mechatronic approach
T2  - Journal of Medical Robotics Research
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/S2424905X16500057
VL  - 1
ER  -