Description du projet
Des outils innovants pour la chirurgie mini-invasive
Les procédures de chirurgie mini-invasive (CMI) réduisent les lésions tissulaires, les besoins en analgésiques postopératoires et les pertes de sang, diminuent la durée d’hospitalisation et produisent de meilleurs résultats sur le plan esthétique. Les limites de la CMI comprennent un retour visuel, haptique et tactile in situ limité, ce qui accroît le risque de lésions tissulaires accidentelles. Le projet PALPABLE, financé par l’UE, a pour ambition d’introduire une nouvelle génération d’outils CMI, en concentrant ses efforts sur le développement d’une sonde de palpage tactile innovante pour l’identification et la visualisation des anomalies tissulaires. La sonde intègrera de nombreuses modalités de détection et sera équipée d’un effecteur flexible à actionnement pneumatique pourvu de capteurs tactiles distribués. La variation de l’intensité optique dans l’élément de détection permettra d’identifier les variations de la raideur du tissu.
Objectif
PALPABLE introduces a new generation of MIS (Minimally Imvasive Surgery) tools: a novel tactile sensing probe as a palpation tool for identification and visualization of tissue abnormalities. MIS has several advantages (reduced tissue damage, postoperative analgesic requirements & blood loss, decreased hospitalization time, better cosmetic results), but there is limited or none visual, haptic, and tactile feedback in-situ, along with issues of tool dexterity. These issues can lead to accidental tissue damage. The probe (diam. 5mm, length 15-20mm) incorporates multiple sensing modalities and a thin, flexible, pneumatically actuated end-effector (3DOF, 180deg) with distributed sensors for distributed tactile sensing. The probe consists of the photonic sensing elements and a sphere held at the end of a circular tunnel by a steady flow of air. The sphere is free to rotate in all directions and can move into the channel when pressed against the airflow. When rolling over tissue, the displacement depends on the tissue’s stiffness and is picked up by the optical fibre above it. Optical intensity variation in the sensing element is used to identify tissue stiffness variations. The principle of measurement used is extrinsic light intensity modulation provided through optical fibres. A non-planar photonics circuit (200μm waveguide, 8bit colour depth) for haptic sensor array is developed and interfaced with the probe; this circuit will be engraved on ultra-thin polymeric foil. The foil sensing elements are distributed around & along the probe for multiple sensor inputs for palpation (i.e. stiffness), distance and curvature that are then fused to provide the overall tissue situation. Using thin foils allows for ease of integration with the probe and a straightforward manufacturing process to enable low cost in large volumes. The end effector is made from disposable or sterilizable materials, both options will be explored for recyclability or reusability respectively.
Champ scientifique
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringmanufacturing engineering
- engineering and technologymaterials engineeringcolors
- medical and health sciencesclinical medicinesurgery
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensors
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsfibre optics
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Régime de financement
HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation ActionsCoordinateur
15232 Chalandri
Grèce