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Overview

In minimally invasive procedures concerning the vessels, a surgeon relies on image-based information of the intervention site, without any palpatory feedback. New medical instruments may “sense” relevant mechanical in situ tissue data from the site of operation. Combined real-time analysis of these obtained datasets with prior knowledge about a patient paves a promising route to an individual treatment of patients, e.g. in modern procedures of vessel interventions. For an effective individual treatment, quantitative data and real-time interpretation based on the patient’s status is essential. The project study is motivated by the idea of designing a functionalized balloon catheter device with integrated highly stretchable strain sensors that provide local tissue information.



Current research at ITeM

Here at ITeM, we focus on appropriate reverse modelling quantitative assessment of the endothelium shape and stiffness inside the targeted vessel structure. We also aim for identifying suitable placement of sensor structures and catheter maneuvers to extract maximum information. Ultimately this aims for an intraoperative mapping of the vessel based on intraluminal mechanical tissue analysis, eventually enhanced by intraoperative standard imaging techniques.

The main topics are:

  • FEM analysis: Using state of the art FEM tools to generate sensor-tissue interactions.
  • Analytical modelling: Identification of local tissue properties (biomechanics) through sensor data and prediction of failure limits.
  • Maximum information gain: Developing Mathematical techniques and sensor maneuvers for maximum information gain through limited data.

Cooperations
  • Institute of Microsystems Technology (iMST), Furtwangen University
  • BBraun Vascular Systems