Final Report Summary - IIIOS (Integrated Interventional Imaging Operating System)
Currently magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not widely used in the surgical and interventional environment. Devices such as cannula, guided wires, catheters for delivering vascular implants, ultrasound and the emerging field of biophotonic imaging probes are not usually MRI compatible and are not designed to be used in conjunction with MRI. The IIIOS initial training network aimed to address this problem by providing technology, procedure development and training in the integration of interventional and surgical devices, with ultrasound and biophotonics based imaging magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Computed tomography (CT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) to define the specs of an Integrated Interventional Imaging Operating System (IIIOS).
The network included 10 partners based in the UK, Germany, Norway, Sweden and the Czech Republic and focused on providing interdisciplinary training for a core group of 22 young scientists in clinical disciplines, instrument design, safety and R&D.
The aim of the IIIOS network was the integration of technologies for use in an Integrated Interventional Imaging Operating Suite (IIIOS) and delivery of a comprehensive training programme. In total 16 early stage researchers and 6 experienced researchers were recruited to the network. The researchers have interdisciplinary backgrounds with experience ranging from device development and medical physics to anaesthesiology. Through the network they were given access to internationally leading technical facilities not normally accessible to researchers at such an early stage in their career.
Project Achievements include:
• Recruitment of 16 Early stage researchers and 6 experienced researchers to the network
• Hosting of 19 IIIOS training events covering topics from biophotonics to human machine interfaces
• Host of two international summer schools and partner in two hands on training events
• Development of a framework for workflow modelling, analysis and simulation of vascular interventions in multi-modality image environments
• Design and development of an interventional MRI setup for cardiovascular and percutaneous interventions
• Investigation and validation of novel MRI safe and compatible cardiovascular implants
• Design and development of novel biphotonic probes which are compatible with MRI
• Development of a program, based on online image processing, which automatically tracks the location of a catheter during surgery and automates the MR image acquisition
• Developed a novel 3D vessel segmentation and centerline extraction method, which has been shown to be faster than the techniques currently used. This idea received the Inven2 Best Innovative Idea 2013, Oslo, Norway.
• Development of novel protocols for processing of medical images
• Development of a new, multi-modal, liver model suitable for imaging via ultrasound, CT and MR.
• Completion of a clinical study in 27 patients with liver carcinomas. In total 62 MR-angiography procedures were successfully accomplished and evaluated
• Development and testing of a custom made software for simulating interventions while measuring control, performance and work load
• Development of a steerable guide wire and catheter that can be used under MRI guidance
• Validation of safety testing procedures for MR compatible devices
• Development of workflows using risk analysis methods for anaesthetic procedures and equipment during MRI interventions
• Development of high-resolution ECG and EEG amplifiers that can be used in a magnetic field
• Publication of 4 Book Chapters, 23 scientific papers, 28 conference proceedings and 71 conference posters and presentations
• Application for 2 patents
Overall the network established strong collaborative relationships between both individual researchers and research centres. The recruited researchers were part of an international team collaborating on research in an emerging field of medical technology. Through their role in the network they received training which will benefit them as they embark on their future careers.
All partners recruited an even mix of men and women, with each partner adhering to their appropriate Equal Opportunities policies for their country and organisation. The Fellows had varying levels of expertise in their fields and their knowledge was regularly exchanged through monthly technical web-based conferences. All fellows were actively encouraged to participate fully in the project and attend other technical conferences, training events and conferences to publicise the project scientifically and to the general public.
To encourage networking and strengthen interdisciplinary training, two summer schools were scheduled for the project. The first summer school was hosted by NTNU in August 2010 and the second was hosted by UNIVDUN in August 2012. The schools offered both theoretical and hands-on practical training sessions in the field of image guided interventions; with world-leading scientists invited as chairs and speakers to each day. The schools were advertised internationally to attract a large number of external participants. The summer schools were very well attended by participants from all over the world along with all IIIOS fellows.
The project has exceeded expectations of progress and has made many scientific achievements alongside recruiting highly talented researchers. Both the academic and industrial partners have gained immensely from participation in the individual research projects and through the wide-spread collaborations which have been key to the success of the project. Long-term collaborations and relationships are expected to continue in the future.
The network included 10 partners based in the UK, Germany, Norway, Sweden and the Czech Republic and focused on providing interdisciplinary training for a core group of 22 young scientists in clinical disciplines, instrument design, safety and R&D.
The aim of the IIIOS network was the integration of technologies for use in an Integrated Interventional Imaging Operating Suite (IIIOS) and delivery of a comprehensive training programme. In total 16 early stage researchers and 6 experienced researchers were recruited to the network. The researchers have interdisciplinary backgrounds with experience ranging from device development and medical physics to anaesthesiology. Through the network they were given access to internationally leading technical facilities not normally accessible to researchers at such an early stage in their career.
Project Achievements include:
• Recruitment of 16 Early stage researchers and 6 experienced researchers to the network
• Hosting of 19 IIIOS training events covering topics from biophotonics to human machine interfaces
• Host of two international summer schools and partner in two hands on training events
• Development of a framework for workflow modelling, analysis and simulation of vascular interventions in multi-modality image environments
• Design and development of an interventional MRI setup for cardiovascular and percutaneous interventions
• Investigation and validation of novel MRI safe and compatible cardiovascular implants
• Design and development of novel biphotonic probes which are compatible with MRI
• Development of a program, based on online image processing, which automatically tracks the location of a catheter during surgery and automates the MR image acquisition
• Developed a novel 3D vessel segmentation and centerline extraction method, which has been shown to be faster than the techniques currently used. This idea received the Inven2 Best Innovative Idea 2013, Oslo, Norway.
• Development of novel protocols for processing of medical images
• Development of a new, multi-modal, liver model suitable for imaging via ultrasound, CT and MR.
• Completion of a clinical study in 27 patients with liver carcinomas. In total 62 MR-angiography procedures were successfully accomplished and evaluated
• Development and testing of a custom made software for simulating interventions while measuring control, performance and work load
• Development of a steerable guide wire and catheter that can be used under MRI guidance
• Validation of safety testing procedures for MR compatible devices
• Development of workflows using risk analysis methods for anaesthetic procedures and equipment during MRI interventions
• Development of high-resolution ECG and EEG amplifiers that can be used in a magnetic field
• Publication of 4 Book Chapters, 23 scientific papers, 28 conference proceedings and 71 conference posters and presentations
• Application for 2 patents
Overall the network established strong collaborative relationships between both individual researchers and research centres. The recruited researchers were part of an international team collaborating on research in an emerging field of medical technology. Through their role in the network they received training which will benefit them as they embark on their future careers.
All partners recruited an even mix of men and women, with each partner adhering to their appropriate Equal Opportunities policies for their country and organisation. The Fellows had varying levels of expertise in their fields and their knowledge was regularly exchanged through monthly technical web-based conferences. All fellows were actively encouraged to participate fully in the project and attend other technical conferences, training events and conferences to publicise the project scientifically and to the general public.
To encourage networking and strengthen interdisciplinary training, two summer schools were scheduled for the project. The first summer school was hosted by NTNU in August 2010 and the second was hosted by UNIVDUN in August 2012. The schools offered both theoretical and hands-on practical training sessions in the field of image guided interventions; with world-leading scientists invited as chairs and speakers to each day. The schools were advertised internationally to attract a large number of external participants. The summer schools were very well attended by participants from all over the world along with all IIIOS fellows.
The project has exceeded expectations of progress and has made many scientific achievements alongside recruiting highly talented researchers. Both the academic and industrial partners have gained immensely from participation in the individual research projects and through the wide-spread collaborations which have been key to the success of the project. Long-term collaborations and relationships are expected to continue in the future.