Objective The project has produced the following deliverables:Four mechatronic devices aimed at performing the targeted procedures have been built and their performance validated.New sensing and interpretation techniques for parameters such as force, torque pressure, etc to determine tool position within a medium have been devised.New modelling techniques for interpretation of material state have been produced.A simulation of the epidural procedure for training purposes has been designed and built.Techniques for measurement of important physical parameters have been developed and important data has been collected.Actuation techniques and mechanisms have been built.User interfaces requirements have been studied and produced with surgeons requirements in mind.New high level control techniques with generic applications in the control of mechatronic tools have been specially developed and tested.This programme is to produce an experimental suite of surgical mechatronic tools for penetrating/cutting soft tissues of the body. The tools are to embody sensors and intelligent control for automatic tissue discrimination and controlled penetration of layers. Methods for tool support and patient fixation and of interfacing with other high technology medical equipment will be investigated .The research programme will lead to an experimental system demonstrating the capabilities of this technology to a range of procedures from different medical disciplines .Three specific procedures representative of the skill requirements of the range will be selected for focused study. The range chosen will be influenced by potential market needs.The operation of tools needs to reflect the skill of surgeons familiar with the particular procedure through regular practice. Mechatronic tools offer potential to increase the availability and quality of difficult and delicate procedures. There are also benefits of reduced risk of cross-infection between the surgeon and patient, reduced patient recovery time and reduced risk through less invasive techniques. Safety and acceptability are important considerations to which contributions for design and safety standards are expected from the work.The programme has the benefit of a multi-disciplinary approach through close cooperation between medical and technology professionals. Fields of science social sciencessociologysocial issuessocial inequalitiesmedical and health sciencesclinical medicinesurgerysurgical proceduresengineering and technologymechanical engineeringmechatronicsengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensors Programme(s) FP3-BRITE/EURAM 2 - Specific programme (EEC) of research and technological development in the field of industrial and materials technologies, 1990-1994 Topic(s) 2.1.2 - Design methodologies for complex components Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme CSC - Cost-sharing contracts Coordinator University of Bristol EU contribution No data Address University Walk BS8 1TR Bristol United Kingdom See on map Total cost No data Participants (3) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all Scuola Superiore di Studi Universitari e di Perfezionamento Sant'Anna Italy EU contribution No data Address VIA CARDUCCI 40 56127 PISA See on map Total cost No data UNIV ARISTOLTE THESSALONIKI Greece EU contribution No data Address FACULTY OF ENGINEERING 54006 THESSALONIKI See on map Total cost No data Universität Gesamthochschule Siegen Germany EU contribution No data Address Hölderlinstraße 3 57068 Siegen See on map Total cost No data
