Finnish project to develop surgical robot compatible with magnetic
resonance imaging
17 June 2005
A research project led by Professor Janne Heikkilä of the University of
Oulu is developing a surgical robot that will make it possible to operate on
a patient during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The powerful magnetic
fields generated by MRI scanners mean that iron-bearing materials such as
steel cannot be used in the robot.
Operations are rarely performed inside MRI scanners because their design
makes it almost impossible for a surgeon to get in a suitable position to
operate and many tools are not sufficiently non-magnetic.
The purpose of the MRI-compatible surgical robot is particularly intended
to reduce movement of the patient during operations performed inside the
magnetic imaging device. According to modern practice, only update pictures
of the patient are taken in the imager, and the actual operation is done
outside the machine. This results in unnecessary movement of the patient and
patient monitors. Surgical time would be significantly reduced if the
patient did not have to be moved, while picture updating would become easier
and closer to real time.
A surgical MRI-compatible robot can work in the brain, where accessing
the surgical area is a problematic and precise task. If necessary, the robot
can also be adapted for use in other parts of the body. The longer-term goal
of the project is to develop an interactive and easy-to-use device, a robot
arm, that the surgeon can use like any other surgical instrument.
The research project comprises four areas:
The surgical robot research is divided into four different parts:
- image processing for an MRI-compatible robot;
- sensor and communications solutions;
- estimation of geometric relationships for a flexible structure; and
- robot structure and improving the MRI compatibility of tools and
mechanics.
The focus of a research group led by Professor Kalervo Nevala is on
improving the MRI compatibility of the robot's mechanics and developing
clinical tools. Their target is to produce a functional prototype of a robot
that is compatible with the magnetic imaging device environment. There is a
clear need for a surgical MRI-compatible robot, because the mechanical,
electronic and magnetic properties of current commercial robots are not
suitable for the hospital environment.
Professor Janne Heikkilä heads a research group whose main target is to
develop image processing and analysis methods that could be utilised with
the robot. The methods and technical solutions under development are
expected to improve the usability of the robot and make it possible to
perform operations where the presence of medical staff in the immediate
vicinity of the patient is unnecessary. This reduces the number of errors
and distortions occurring in MRI pictures.
Professor Risto Myllylä's group is responsible for development of an
MRI-compatible sensor and transmission of the sensor data between equipment
working in the imaging device environment. The different parts of the
research cover the development of a small, three-dimensional MRI-compatible
power sensor, optical transmission of control and sensor data, testing of
wireless data communications solutions and minimisation of electro-magnetic
disturbances.
The contribution of Group Manager Mikko Sallinen's research group is
valuable knowledge concerning how flexible structures affect measurement
accuracy. The group's aim is to develop techniques to help retain the
robot's degrees of freedom as well as possible during very complex
movements.
Future applications
Projected future uses of the robot include inserting active medication
dispensers into the human body, in exactly the right place. Other possible
applications include use as an aid in neurosurgery, urology, radiology and
orthopaedics as well as in other clinical applications, such as prostate and
breast cancer examinations.
Research on the robot is being conducted as part of the KITARA research
programme (The Application of Information Technology in Mechanical, Civil
and Automation Engineering) funded by the Academy of Finland. KITARA began
this past spring with the goal of reinforcing basic research competence in
the mechanical and construction sectors by utilising data and communications
technology in those fields. Other participants in the design and financing
of the programme include Tekes (National Technology Agency of Finland), the
Ministry of the Environment, the Confederation of Finnish Construction
Industries and RAKLI ry (The Finnish Building Owners and Managers
Association).
Additional information
Machine Vision Group, University of Oulu
Professor Janne Heikkilä,
janne.heikkila@ee.oulu.fi
Tel: + 358 (0)8 553 2786
Optoelectronics and Measurement Technology Laboratory, University of Oulu
Professor Risto Myllylä,
risto.myllyla@ee.oulu.fi
Tel: + 358 (0)8 553 2671
Mechatronics and Machine Diagnostics Laboratory, University of Oulu
Professor Kalervo Nevala
kalervo.nevala@oulu.fi Tel: + 358 (0)8 553 2053
VTT Electronics, Mechatronics Research Group
Group Manager Mikko Sallinen
mikko.sallinen@vtt.fi
Tel: + 358 (0)20 722 111 (switchboard)
The Application of Information Technology in Mechanical, Civil and
Automation Engineering (KITARA) research programme
Senior Science Adviser Ritva Taurio, Academy of Finland,
ritva.taurio@aka.fi
Tel. + 358 (0)9 7748 8384
Academy of Finland Communications
Information Specialist Terhi Loukiainen
Tel. + 358 (0)9 7748 8385, + 358 (0)40 828 1784
terhi.loukiainen@aka.fi
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