Objective
Task 1.1
Two questionnaires were prepared - the first questionnaire asking for generalized information and the second focused on detailed information. These were sent to all the Partners and Researchers and in each case we received only one completed form back. Although this was not a high percentage we did gain important information.
Task 1.2
Magnetic resonance images were taken of a female and a male of average dimension; it was not possible to achieve images of the full torso with the subject anaesthetized. It was also not possible to gain images of cross-section computed tomography (CT) since exposure to radiation over such a long period would have been dangerous. MEC was able to source digital modeling software called MIMICS.
Limbs & Things works on Solid Works CAD software. MEC also sourced Solid Works software which they worked on instead of Pro-Engineer negating the need to transfer the data generated by MEC on to STL, IGES, STEP file formats.
Task 1.3
A reasonably close approximation of the main physical properties of organs ranging from hard bone, through to skin and then to fatty tissues has been achieved and the results are gaining an enthusiastic acceptance by the medical profession.Success in developing biocompostibility in the formulation is proving less tractable.
Task 1.5
All the CT scans were printed on to hard copy; experts at Limbs & Things identified the relevant planes and shapes within the scans that were appropriate to the trainer. Identified contours were processed using materialise MIMICS; organs were manually isolated and sets of B - splines were extracted from the 3D data. Each contour was followed along the length and breadth of each organ and bone, and the form was modeled.
The digital design of the model then commenced. The parts had to be simplified and comply with injection moulding design rules. Depending on the requirement, a compromise was found between realism and manufactureability; accuracy was never compromised. Collaboration between L & T and MEC has been very close; the former having expertise on medical simulators as well as considerable experience with Solid Works(r) CAD design, while the latter has experience of CAD design and injection moulding parts.
Findings from Task 1.3 and 1.4 were fed into the design. 1.4 focused on the development of an attachment system and electrical circuitry. Attachments applied to the fixings between components of the model and the fixings between soft tissue parts on the rigid supporting structure of the model. A combination of fixings and electrical circuitry was investigated but rejected on the grounds that there was not enough control of electrical current would be compromised in the presence of fluid. It was therefore decided in future models to imbed electrical connection points into the supporting structure, into which the soft parts can be connected.
Task 3.1
Assessment of the Prototype Production
Method - Prototype plus tooling.
A study has been carried out on the cost of tooling and component parts: it was essential to establish the likely market price of the model at an early stage. The figures show that the entire model was going to be too elaborate and expensive for the market. To this end in the light of marketing information the design. The design is of the abdominal and lumbar areas including the diaphragm, but without the thoracic section. This model was reckoned to be the most perfect combination for evaluation in the market across European countries; it offers endoscopic surgical training from the most basic to advanced levels and for the purpose of evaluation will accept Limbs & Things soft tissue simulation which is in place and in the market. Thirteen prototypes have now been distributed amongst five commercial partners and one researcher whose activity is surgical education. Widely based feedback confirms that the realism and wide application of this model, coupled with its low cost is exactly what is required in this fast emerging market of medical skills training and education.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences software
- engineering and technology medical engineering diagnostic imaging computed tomography
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
BS7 8QS BRISTOL
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.