Project
Single Orifice and Robotic Solutions for Fetal Surgery
Around 1% of the babies are born with a severe birth defect each year and collectively these defects are estimated to be responsible for over 1/3 of all paediatric hospital admissions. Studies have shown that surgeries performed before birth have better long-term effects on the babies as compared to the surgeries performed after birth. However open womb surgery is an extreme option for fetal surgery which may induce severe side effects on both the fetus and the mother. The purpose of this PhD is to explore the possibilities of robotics solutions in single orifice minimally invasive fetal surgery. Minimally invasive fetal surgery is safer than open womb surgery but the current surgical tools and techniques are not suitable for the unique environment of the womb. This PhD will not only work to improve the current tools and methods utilized by the surgeons but also endeavour to bring technical innovation.