COLLABORATION PROJECTS

Current Projects:

Development of a Surgical Device for Esophageal Atresia

• Esophageal Atresia is a congenital defect in which there is a gap in the esophagus (swallowing tube). It affects 1200 newborns per year in the US. Current surgical methods to solve the condition are invasive and have a relatively high morbidity rate.
• We are developing a new device to facilitate the surgical operation by making it less invasive with the objective of reducing the morbidity and complications that result from the operation.

Development of a Transluminal Tool

• 	Controlled Rigidity Research (.wmv)

  Current therapeutic endoscopes have very limited surgical capabilities to be adapted for new surgical procedures, such as Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES). These types of surgery are being developed as alternatives to laparoscopic surgery for certain populations, such as obese patients, or simply to minimize scarring and pain.
• We are developing new surgical endoscopic tools with increased dexterity and surgical capabilities.

Development of a User Interface for Robotic Surgery Suite

• 	Robotic Surgical Suite (.wmv)

  Integrated operating rooms with robotic tools and automated medical functions require an advanced interface to minimize the cognitive load on the surgeon and increase the effectiveness of the surgeon controlling the devices in the room.
• We have developed advanced interfaces that integrate speech, graphics, and gestures controlling multiple medical devices and robotic manipulators.

Development of Techniques for Robotic Laser Tissue Welding

• 	Cornea Patch Operation (.wmv)

  Laser tissue welding lacks consistency and strength, greatly due to the variability between operators delivering energy and depositing solder.
• We are exploring the integration of robotic instruments with laser tissue welding to improve tissue bonds and provide a viable alternative to sutures.