Research Projects

FAROS, H2020 ICT [2021-2024]

Functionally Accurate Robotic Surgery

Will surgical robots ever be able to operate autonomously? Computer-controlled machines used in surgery are directly operated by skilled surgeons. Today there is no robotic autonomy involved. While modern robotic approaches target absolute geometric precision, functional accuracy (relative to targeting anatomic and functional structures) is what matters in surgery. The EU-funded FAROS project is developing new ways to embed physical intelligence in surgical robotics. Specifically, it will construct a functional representation of the surgical task fusing key non-visual sensing. Also, deep machine learning will interpret intraoperative data. The project will demonstrate this new way to operate surgical robots in autonomously executed critical steps in spine surgery.

Role: Partener

µRALP, FP7 STREP [2012-2015]

Micro-Technology and Systems for Robot-Assisted Laser Phonomicrosurgery

The µRALP project is focused at advancing the state of the art in laser phonomicrosurgeries, which currently relies completely on the dexterity of surgeons who must operate through a microscope, control the laser aiming directly by hand, and deal with the associated poor ergonomics of the operating setup.

µRALP will also advance contemporary experimental systems, which have limited application range due to dependency on an external microscope with direct line of sight to the operating area. These advancements will come with the creation of a novel teleoperated surgical system based on a micro-robot end effector and a custom endoscope that will bring novel imaging and surgical technologies to the inside of the patient's body, eliminating the need for the surgical microscope and its associated requirement for direct line of sight to the surgical site. This new system will bring unprecedented levels of accessibility and precision to laser microsurgeries, allowing operations not previously possible with current technology. It will expand the surgical site imaging and laser control dimensionality to 3D, and augment surgeons' capabilities by providing fine aiming control, real-time visualization of tumor tissue, and a safety system able to predict and avoid surgical errors. In addition, it will provide the surgeons with an ergonomic and information-rich operating environment, which will result from research into novel surgeon-machine interfaces and augmented reality systems.

Role: WP leader

ANR MARSurg [2022-2025]

Markerless Augmented Reality for the Future Orthopedic Surgery

Today, according to Global Market Insights, the orthopedic medical device (MD) market is growing rapidly and will be worth more than $22.4 billion by 2025. Joint replacement (hip, knee, extremities) represents nearly 37% of the market share. These devices include conventional ancillary instruments, custom-made guides, navigation systems, robotic systems. More recently, augmented reality navigation systems have been developed. They are recognized for their accuracy, low cost, ease of use, and clinical added value. It is in this context that the MARSurg project aims to implement an innovative surgical navigation solution with high scientific, technological and clinical potentials.

Role: Principal investigator

RHU ICELAND [2022-2027]

Intra Cardiac Echography integration in Landing an Annuloplasty Device for transcatheter Mitral Valve Repai

Dispositif de réparation de la valve mitrale par voie transcatheter incorporant une sonde d'échographie intra cardiaque coaxiale (ICE) pour effectuer une annuloplastie mitrale direct

Role: Partner leader (Sorbonne University)

ANR NEMRO [2015-2019]

Microrobotic Nasal Endoscopy by OCT: Impact of Smell Deficiency on Neurodegenerative Diseases

NEMRO plans to develop a nasal endoscope equipped with an OCT fiber imaging system (Optical Coherence Tomography). This nasal endoscope consists of a miniature (diameter less than 2 mm) and flexible robotic system. The robot design is based on the use of hybrid actuation: remote actuation by a specific mechatronic system and on-board actuation based on the use of electroactive (polymeric) materials. This system will provide a dynamic in-vivo and non-invasive characterization tool for high-resolution 3D images (3D optical biopsies). These will allow very precise and in-depth analysis of the appearance and texture of olfactory cells comparable to histological sections. In the short term, this system will provide an unprecedented means of reliable, low-cost, experimental investigation into the understanding/diagnosis of certain neurodegenerative diseases. It will also allow the monitoring of the evolution, over time, of the loss of smell and its repercussion on neuronal degeneration.

Role: Principal investigator