Objetivo 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. Ámbito científico engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringcomputer hardwarecomputer processorsengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsignal processing Programa(s) FP3-ESPRIT 3 - Specific research and technological development programme (EEC) in the field of information technologies, 1990-1994 Tema(s) Data not available Convocatoria de propuestas Data not available Régimen de financiación Data not available Coordinador Lilly Industries Ltd Aportación de la UE Sin datos Dirección Kingsclere Road RG21 2XA Basingstoke Reino Unido Ver en el mapa Coste total Sin datos Participantes (6) Ordenar alfabéticamente Ordenar por aportación de la UE Ampliar todo Contraer todo Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe Technik und Umwelt GmbH Alemania Aportación de la UE Sin datos Dirección 76021 Karlsruhe Ver en el mapa Coste total Sin datos Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Angewandten Forschung eV (FhG) Alemania Aportación de la UE Sin datos Dirección Ensheimer Straße 46 66386 St Ingbert Ver en el mapa Coste total Sin datos Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderungder Angewandten Forschung e.V. Alemania Aportación de la UE Sin datos Dirección Finkenstrasse 47057 Duisburg Ver en el mapa Coste total Sin datos HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY Reino Unido Aportación de la UE Sin datos Dirección RICCARTON EH14 4AS EDINBURGH Ver en el mapa Coste total Sin datos Papworth Hospital Trust Reino Unido Aportación de la UE Sin datos Dirección Papworth Everard CB3 8RE Cambridge Ver en el mapa Coste total Sin datos VYGON ERZEUGNISSE FÜR MEDIZIN UND CHIRURGIE Alemania Aportación de la UE Sin datos Dirección PRAGER RING 100 52070 AACHEN Ver en el mapa Coste total Sin datos