Publications
Miniature Pneumatic Artificial Muscles for Use in Surgical Devices KU Leuven
Novel miniature actuators are needed to design flexible instruments for use in minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Smaller actuators are especially important for instruments with multiple degrees of freedom, which must incorporate multiple actuators in a very limited cross sectional area. Pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs) have been selected for this purpose due to their simple construction, high power-to-weight ratio, and promise for ...
Concentric Dual-Chamber Pneumatic Artificial Muscles: Miniature Actuators Designed for Use in Minimally Invasive Surgical Instruments KU Leuven
Development of high-performance flexible surgical instruments is important to simplify and enable new minimally invasive surgical procedures. New actuation technologies are necessary to produce flexible instrumentation that is capable of accessing difficult-to-reach anatomy and performing laborious tasks without damaging delicate tissues. Recently, concentric McKibben muscles and dual-chamber pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs) have been ...
Musculoskeletal modeling-based definition of load cases and worst-case fracture orientation for the design of clavicle fixation plates KU Leuven
Mechanical performance of clavicle fracture fixation plates is often evaluated using finite element (FE) analysis. Typically, these studies use simplified loading conditions and assume a transversal fracture orientation. However, the loading conditions and fracture orientation influence how the fracture site and thus fixation plate is loaded. In this study, a musculoskeletal model that included the clavicle muscles and scapulohumeral rhythm was ...
An In-Office Hysteroscopy VR/Haptic Simulation Platform for Training in Spatial Navigation and Passage of the Cervical Canal KU Leuven
Hysteroscopy is a type of gynecological procedure that enables diagnosis and treatment of intrauterine pathologies using a minimally-invasive approach. Recent advancements, especially in optics, made it possible to perform this procedure in an ambulatory, outpatient setting without anaesthesia. Yet, such approach introduces additional challenges to gynecologists, as the surgical instruments have to pass through the cervix, a narrow curved canal. ...
Local One-Dimensional Motion Estimation Using FBG-Based Shape Sensing for Cardiac Applications KU Leuven
Robotic Endoscope Control Via Autonomous Instrument Tracking KU Leuven
Many keyhole interventions rely on bi-manual handling of surgical instruments, forcing the main surgeon to rely on a second surgeon to act as a camera assistant. In addition to the burden of excessively involving surgical staff, this may lead to reduced image stability, increased task completion time and sometimes errors due to the monotony of the task. Robotic endoscope holders, controlled by a set of basic instructions, have been proposed as ...