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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

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Conference paper
Rodriguez y Baena F, 2006,
Intra-operative image registration for minimally invasive surgery - accuracy, protocols, novel algorithms, etc.
, Computer Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery UK, 1st Annual Meeting of CAOSUK, Pages: 21-21
- Cite
Conference paper
Rodriguez y Baena F, 2006,
Registration methods - image based and image free - an overview
, Computer Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery UK, 1st Annual Meeting of CAOSUK, Pages: 22-22
- Cite
Journal article
Rodriguez y Baena F, Cobb J, Henckel J, Gomes P, Harris S, Jakopec M, Barrett A, Davies Bet al., 2005,
Robotic clinical trials of uni-condylar arthroplasty
, International Journal of Medical Robotics and Computer Assisted Surgery, Vol: 1, Pages: 20-28, ISSN: 1478-5951
A randomised clinical trial has been completed for uni-condylar arthroplasty. The trial, under the auspices of the UK MHRA, comprised 15 knees of patients undergoing conventional surgery, and 13 knees of patients who had robotic surgery using the Acrobot (R) hands-on robotic system. The results of the trial were checked by comparing post-op CT scans with pre-op CT-based plans, and show a significant improvement in accuracy using the robot. The technical concept of the Acrobot (R) approach is also described. Details of the complete system are outlined, including the pre-operative planner. The plan incorporates 3D CT models of the leg, together with CAD models of prostheses that can be used to plan the leg alignment, position the prostheses, plan the shape of the cuts required and generate the regions within which cuts must be constrained. The robotic system is also described, together with the methods for locating, clamping, cutting and monitoring the patient. An outline is given of the means by which the preoperative model is registered or aligned to the intra-operative position of the patient and of the robot, without the need for fiducial markers. Results of the randomised clinical trial are also discussed. Copyright (c) 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
- Abstract
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Patent
Rodriguez y Baena F, 2005,
A tool constraint mechanism
, WO2007045810
- Publisher Web Link
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Conference paper
Cobb J, Henckel J, Richards RW, Harris S, Jakopec M, Rodriguez y Baena F, Davies Bet al., 2005,
Robot assistance improves outcomes in small incision unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (Article no.75)
, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- Cite
Conference paper
Cobb J, Henckel J, Harris S, Jakopec M, Rodriguez y Baena F, Davies Bet al., 2005,
Accuracy in arthroplasty - a three-dimensional CT based measurement study
, Computer Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery, 5th International Annual Meeting of CAOS, Publisher: Pro BUSINESS GmbH, Pages: 165-167
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Conference paper
Cobb J, Barrett ARW, Harris S, Jakopec M, Rodriguez y Baena F, Davies Bet al., 2005,
The Tubes system for minimally invasive computer assisted hip resurfacing surgery, computer assisted orthopaedic surgery
, Computer Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery, 5th International Annual Meeting of CAOS, Publisher: Pro BUSINESS GmbH, Pages: 22-25
- Cite
Conference paper
Rodriguez y Baena F, Cobb J, Henckel J, Barrett ARW, Jakopec M, Davies Bet al., 2005,
Robust registration in robotic assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty - the region-based point acquisition protocol
, Computer Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery, 5th International Annual Meeting of CAOS, 19 - 22 June 2005, Helsinki, Finland, Publisher: Pro BUSINESS GmbH, Pages: 386-389
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Conference paper
Harris S, Jakopec M, Rodriguez y Baena F, Davies B, Barrett ARWet al., 2004,
Computer assisted knee arthroplasty; Extent of implant error
, Computer Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery, 4th International Annual Meeting of CAOS, 17 - 19 June 2004, Chicago, USA, Publisher: CAOS, Pages: 206-207
- Cite
Conference paper
Cobb J, Henckel J, Harris S, Jakopec M, Rodriguez y Baena F, Davies B, Barrett ARWet al., 2004,
Computer assisted arthroplasty; Appropriate imaging for assessment of implant position
, Computer Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery, 4th Annual Meeting of CAOS International, 17 - 19 June 2004, Chicago, USA, Publisher: CAOS, Pages: 281-282
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