Objective The IMICS project is concerned with the development of micro-mechanical and microelectronic components and subsystems, and their integration into an advanced cardiac catheter system for plaque removal. More specifically, the project will aim to develop a system which integrates the sensing and signal processing (diagnostic) function with the microactuating (therapeutic) function in a catheter head of overall external diameter between 2 and 4 mm. To achieve this objective, efforts will be focused on the following areas: - microactuating and therapeutic subsystems development, including both electrostatically and/or fluid-driven versions. 3D simulation studies will form the basis for the design of these components and fabrication will rely on advanced LIGA procedures. - evolution of a micro-miniature ultrasonic sensing system capable of determining the location and quality of intravascular plaque deposits, and of monitoring the progress of therapy. Advanced ultrasonic array technology in conjunction with CMOS based microprocessor chip developments will be required to realise this task. - development of a positioning system capable of fixing the catheter in position within the artery wall whilst therapeutic action being performed. - integration of electronic and micro-mechanical subsystems within a 2 to 4 mm catheter head. It will be based on a series of expandable units, constructed using biocompatible balloon technology, which, by dilation, will be brought into contact with the artery wall by means of an array of active micro-valves. Successful integration will hinge on the development of novel techniques for fabricating, handling and assembling submillimetre and micron scale sub-assemblies and components, while assessment and evaluation of the biocompatibility and reliability of catheter materials and components will form a significant element in the programme. Fields of science engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringcomputer hardwarecomputer processorsengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsignal processing Programme(s) FP3-ESPRIT 3 - Specific research and technological development programme (EEC) in the field of information technologies, 1990-1994 Topic(s) Data not available Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme Data not available Coordinator Lilly Industries Ltd Address Kingsclere road RG21 2XA Basingstoke United Kingdom See on map EU contribution € 0,00 Participants (6) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe Technik und Umwelt GmbH Germany EU contribution € 0,00 Address 76021 Karlsruhe See on map Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Angewandten Forschung eV (FhG) Germany EU contribution € 0,00 Address Ensheimer straße 46 66386 St ingbert See on map Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderungder Angewandten Forschung e.V. Germany EU contribution € 0,00 Address Finkenstrasse 47057 Duisburg See on map HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY United Kingdom EU contribution € 0,00 Address Riccarton EH14 4AS Edinburgh See on map Papworth Hospital Trust United Kingdom EU contribution € 0,00 Address Papworth everard CB3 8RE Cambridge See on map VYGON ERZEUGNISSE FÜR MEDIZIN UND CHIRURGIE Germany EU contribution € 0,00 Address Prager ring 100 52070 Aachen See on map
