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{Matheson:2018:10.1142/S2424905X18420011,
author = {Matheson, E and Secoli, R and Burrows, C and Leibinger, A and Rodriguez, y Baena F},
doi = {10.1142/S2424905X18420011},
journal = {Journal of Medical Robotics Research},
title = {Cyclic motion control for programmable bevel-tip needles to reduce tissue deformation},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/S2424905X18420011},
volume = {4},
year = {2018}
}

RIS format (EndNote, RefMan)

TY  - JOUR
AB - Robotic-assisted steered needles aim to accurately control the deflection of the flexible needle’s tip to achieve accurate path following. In doing so, they can decrease trauma to the patient, by avoiding sensitive regions while increasing placement accuracy. This class of needle presents more complicated kinematics compared to straight needles, which can be exploited to produce specific motion profiles via careful controller design and tuning. Motion profiles can be optimized to minimize certain conditions such as maximum tissue deformation and target migration, which was the goal of the formalized cyclic, low-level controller for a Programmable Bevel-tip Needle (PBN) presented in this work. PBNs are composed of a number of interlocked segments that are able to slide with respect to one another. Producing a controlled, desired offset of the tip geometry leads to the corresponding desired curvature of the PBN, and hence desired path trajectory of the system. Here, we propose a cyclical actuation strategy, where the tip configuration is achieved over a number of reciprocal motion cycles, which we hypothesize will reduce tissue deformation during the insertion process. A series of in vitro, planar needle insertion experiments are performed in order to compare the cyclic controller performance with the previously used direct push controller, in terms of targeting accuracy and tissue deformation. It is found that there is no significant difference between the target tracking performance of the controllers, but a significant decrease in axial tissue deformation when using the cyclic controller.
AU - Matheson,E
AU - Secoli,R
AU - Burrows,C
AU - Leibinger,A
AU - Rodriguez,y Baena F
DO - 10.1142/S2424905X18420011
PY - 2018///
SN - 2424-905X
TI - Cyclic motion control for programmable bevel-tip needles to reduce tissue deformation
T2 - Journal of Medical Robotics Research
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/S2424905X18420011
VL - 4
ER -

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