BrainMap

Mrs. Doina Liana Pisla

Prof. dr. ing.

Professor, Director of CESTER - UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Researcher | Teaching staff | Scientific reviewer

Web of Science ResearcherID: G-7985-2011

Curriculum Vitae (10/05/2024)

Expertise & keywords

New smart and adaptive robotics solutions for personalized minimally invasive surgery in cancer treatment Call name:
PNRR-III-C9-2022 – I8 2023 - 2026

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (); UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA ()

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA ()

Project website: https://cester.utcluj.ro/athena/index.php/en/

Abstract:

ATHENA aims to develop European relevant solutions in the field on oncologic surgery in the form of new smart and adaptive robotic medical devices focused on personalized, minimally invasive interventions. The project will setup of a pole of competence in robotic assisted interventional oncology and diagnosis within the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca capable of attracting young research specialists and deliver research excellence.

New frontiers in adaptive modular robotics for patient - centered medical rehabilitation Call name:
PNRR-III-C9-2022 – I8 2023 - 2026

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (); UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA ()

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA ()

Project website: https://cester.utcluj.ro/asklepios/index.php/en/

Abstract:

ASKLEPIOS aims to develop an intelligent robotic system able to adapt, learn and improve as to deliver optimal personalized multi-modal therapies for patients with neuromotor deficit of different causes. According to the Project Call Objectives ASKLEPIOS will focus on new fundamental research.

Exoskeleton system for human augmentation Call name:
1-PSCD/2022 2022 - 2025

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (); Academia Fortelor Terestre Nicolae Balcescu din Sibiu ()

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA ()

Project website:

Abstract:

The overall objective of the innovative exoskeleton system development projects (integrating emerging technologies and new solutions) is to increase military performance in the theater of combat and to integrate sensors, functions and algorithms that enable increased safety and create the level of the individual and group.

An innovative modular rehabilitation robot for the efficient therapy of lower limb motor deficit Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-3430 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU" (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://cester.utcluj.ro/Hope2Walk/home.html

Abstract:

Hope2Walk is implemented by a complementary team of specialists in the technical field (medical robotics, and bioengineering) and medical experts (neurology, neuro-surgery) which aim to provide a competent experimental model of a robotic system used for the rehabilitation of lower limb monoparesis of bedridden patients. This condition appears following a neurological event such as stroke, a trauma at the level of the spine or brain or following a surgical procedure on the nervous system. On a worldwide level there exist multiple robotic devices that perform physical therapy for gait rehabilitation, however there are no documented solutions for the lower limb spatial rehabilitation for bedridden patients, making the Hope2Walk solution novel at global level. The Hope2Walk team aims to develop an experimental model for the treatment of lower limb monoparesis in the form of a new product starting from a previously developed demonstrator RAISE, which consists of two coupled modules for the rehabilitation of hip, knee and ankle joints. This demonstrator will be further developed from a TRL3 into an integrated robotic system at TRL 4 delivering: (1) a robotic module for the hip and knee rehabilitation; (2) a robotic module for the ankle rehabilitation – the module should enable also its independent use for the specific treatment of foot drop; (3) an enhanced control system embedding assistive and task-based interactive exercises (as HRI modalities used in rehabilitation) and a functional electrical stimulation (FES) device; (4) robot mounted and patient attached sensors to provide on-site real-time data for patient monitoring, AI agents and FES integration; (5) an enhanced user-interface with embedded decision algorithms that will adapt the therapy based on real-time sensor data and enable the fast definition of personalized treatment exercises/plans. The enhanced solution will be validated in a succession of laboratory tests and pre-clinical trials.

Innovative safe robotic system for enhanced patient-centered treatment of liver cancer Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-2790 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU" (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://cester.utcluj.ro/Enhance/home.html

Abstract:

The ENHANCE project is implemented by an interdisciplinary team of engineers (specialists in medical robotics, advanced control, and programming) and medical experts (in hepatic surgery, hepatology, gastroenterology, and imaging), which aims to develop, test, and validate (in laboratory conditions) an innovative robotic system for liver cancer treatment (using brachytherapy or intratumoral chemotherapy). The project motivation starts from the fact that there are no available robotic systems (available in the scientific literature or in medical practice) designed for liver cancer treatment using intraoperatory ultrasound (IUS) as real-time image guidance. The starting point of ENHANCE is a demonstrator (developed up to TRL 3), namely the ProHep-LCT parallel robotic system, which consists of four modules (two parallel robotic modules, one needle insertion module, one IUS probe module), and a master-slave control. The first step in the project implementations focuses on the critical functionality analysis of ProHep-LCT correlated with the medical procedure. Then, a set of limitations (for each module) are identified, leading towards several optimizations. On the mechanical structure, the main areas of improvement target the workspace and positioning accuracy. The master-slave control will be developed with a modular architecture and optimized to ensure safety, stability, and ergonomics. A critical point is represented by the testing of the robotic system modules (in laboratory conditions), both independently and integrated into the complete solution for liver cancer treatment. The final project scope is to deliver a robotic-assisted solution validated at TRL 4, which can provide a new feasible solution in liver cancer management through further developments.

New frontiers in robotic assisted single port surgery: a novel robotic system with dexterous instruments Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-0572 2021 - 2023

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://cester.utcluj.ro/Challenge/index.html

Abstract:

Single port surgery, or single site laparoscopic surgery-SSLS, was introduced in healthcare to extend the boundaries of minimally invasive surgery. While the curative potential of SLSS is hindered by the drawbacks of the manual procedure, the use of a master – slave concept in which the surgeon manipulates dexterous haptic devices to control robotic arms which achieve the positioning of the instruments has the potential to eliminate all the disadvantages while maximizing the benefits.

In this context, Challenge aims to develop a completely new robotic system designed for SSLS and corresponding instruments that will open new frontiers in this procedure.

The main objective of the project is the development of a novel modular robotic system with dexterous instruments (both based on parallel structures) and advanced software (implemented on a master console) for the master-slave control of the robotic system and training modules for robotic SSLS. The Challenge robotic system will provide solutions to the current limitations of the SSLS and will ensure patient safety and procedure ergonomics, with applications in urology and abdominal surgery.

This challenging task is assumed by a team of engineers and expert surgeons (with experience in robotic surgery) who will provide a valuable solution that will remove the current barriers in the use of SSLS. The involvement of young researchers is a major priority, post-doctoral and PhD students being involved in all the project activities.

Improving the life quality of patients through intelligent telerobotic systems for the personalized treatment of neuromotor deficit Call name:
POC 2014-2020 Axa 1 2023 - 2023

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: SITLINE TECHNOLOGY SRL

Project partners: SITLINE TECHNOLOGY SRL (); UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA ()

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA ()

Project website: https://proiectulapollo.ro/obiective-generale-si-tehnologii/

Abstract:

The APOLLO project has as its general objective the development of an intelligent telerobotic recovery system, which allows the treatment of patients with neuromotor deficits in a way specific to individual needs, by means of personalized programs by medical experts, without requiring the mobilization of the patient or the doctor.

This innovative telemedicine approach aims to explore the complementary skills of specialists in the fields of engineering and medicine, developed in a private-public partnership to obtain an intelligent telerobotic system that will be able to treat patients with neuromotor deficits through a personalized approach, based on some personalized programs by medical experts, without imposing the transport or mobilization of the patient over long distances, thus providing access to specialized medical services to a larger number of patients, in order to increase the quality of life of patients and their families.

A seniors digital platform for knowledge transfer towards industrial companies Call name: P 3 - SP 3.5 - Programul "Active and Assisted Living" AAL, 2018
AAL-CP-AAL-2020-7-83-CP-WisdomOfAge 2021 - 2023

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: DIGITAL TWIN SRL

Project partners: DIGITAL TWIN SRL (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO); Yumytech (CH); ARX iT (CH); Institute for Ageing Research (CH); Happy Aging (In4Care vzw) (BE)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://wisdomofage.eu/

Abstract:

WisdomOfAge addresses a well-known European challenge: an ageing population, which further leads to natural consequences: increasing retirement costs on the government side, an unexploited potential of knowledge and experience from the seniors on the industry side, and a feeling of uselessness on the seniors’ side. European governments are already taking steps towards reintegrating people aged over 50 into economic activity, but companies find it difficult to hire them due to various reasons. WisdomOfAge takes an important step towards unlocking this potential and putting it into a very good use by closing the gap between generations and bridging together both the primary end-users (senior experts), secondary end-users (organizations that support healthy and active ageing) along with industrial companies. Thus the senior experts can transfer their knowledge and experience towards companies in mentoring, coaching and advisory sessions hosted by WisdomOfAge.

Innovative robotic guided instruments for the treatment of malignant tumors Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-4375 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU" (RO); INSTITUTUL REGIONAL DE GASTROENTEROLOGIE - HEPATOLOGIE PROF. DR. OCTAVIAN FODOR CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://cester.utcluj.ro/OnTarget/home.html

Abstract:

Nowadays, cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality among humans, and increased efforts are made by the scientific community to develop better and more efficient therapeutic methods. Since surgery alone does not present a therapeutic solution in most of the cases, other approaches, such as local percutaneous therapies, become more prominent. One challenge of the percutaneous techniques is the accurate delivery of the therapeutic agent, as in most cases the manual insertion introduces errors beyond the acceptable thresholds. OnTarget aims to develop technical solutions for the local treatment of cancers located in the toraco-abdominal area by exploiting the advantages of brachytherapy, radiofrequency ablation and chemotherapeutic agent targeted delivery. Two medical instruments which were conceptually validated up to TRL3 represent the starting point of the project implementation. OnTarget will further develop the two medical instruments, one for the percutaneous brachytherapy and the second instrument (where modularity will be implemented) for the percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and chemotherapeutic agent delivery. The OnTarget interdisciplinary team (composed of engineers and medical specialists) aims to develop an advanced adaptable control system for the medical instruments to facilitate an optimum fail-safe needle insertion procedure. The technical solution is used in combination with existing robotic structures, by mounting the medical instruments on the robot such that the medical instruments become the robot tool. The control of the instruments will be implemented either into the robotic system control or on a stand-alone electronic device (e.g. laptop, tablet). The technological maturity of TRL4 is validated in the later stages of the project by means of experimental trials where the medical experts will test and evaluate the technical solution based on a medically relevant oncologic protocol.

An innovative modular robotic system for the rehabilitation of brachial monoparesis Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-3022 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DIN CRAIOVA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://cester.utcluj.ro/NeuroAssist/home.html

Abstract:

NeuroAssist project is implemented by a complementary team of specialists in the technical field (medical robotics and bioengineering) and medical experts (neurology, neuro-surgery) which aims to provide a competent experimental model of a robotic system used for the rehabilitation of brachial monoparesis. This condition, (the partial or total paralysis of the upper limb) appears following a neurological event such as stroke, a trauma at the level of the spine or brain or following a surgical procedure on the nervous system. On a worldwide level there exist several robotic devices that perform physical rehabilitation, however the up to date clinical trials revealed several limitations: inefficient human robot interaction, focus on the improvement of the motoric scores rather than on the patient capability to perform different activities, reduced patient feedback and very high costs. The NeuroAssist team aims to develop an experimental model for the treatment of brachial monoparesis in the form of a new product starting from three previously developed demonstrators which target each of the major joints of the upper limb: shoulder, elbow and wrist. In NeuroAssist, these demonstrators will be further developed from a TRL3 into an integrated robotic system at TRL 4. Special attention is given to the patient safety and treatment efficiency: (1) the three demonstrators will be analysed and optimized to provide efficient physical mobilisation of the limb with improved ergonomics, (2) a system of sensors will be integrated on both the robotic structure itself and on the patient body to provide real-time data, (3) an improved control system will be developed integrating sensors data, new functions and decisional algorithms, (4) the experimental model of NeuroAssist will be developed, tested and validated based on a medical protocol to provide efficient treatment for any form of brachial monoparesis.

ROBOTIC-ASSISTED SAFETY CABINET FOR COLLECTING SPECIMENS CONTAMINATED WITH AIRBORNE PATHOGENS, SAFE Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect de transfer la operatorul economic
PN-III-P2-2.1-PTE-2019-0160 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: ELECTRONIC APRIL APARATURA ELECTRONICA SPECIALA S.R.L.

Project partners: ELECTRONIC APRIL APARATURA ELECTRONICA SPECIALA S.R.L. (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD FILIALA INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARI PENTRU INSTRUMENTATIE ANALITICA CLUJ NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://aprilcj.ro/safe

Abstract:

The project proposes to develop a robotic-assisted cabinet for collecting biological samples/specimens with airborne pathogens that will ensure full safety against any biological contamination coming from inside or outside the cabinet, especially for people suspected with anthrax, tuberculosis or pulmonary anthracosis infections. The SAFE cabinet is an innovative product, unique in idea and realization, so far no similar product is produced/marketed on national/international level. The SAFE cabinet is a mechatronic device dedicated to the automatic handling of the patient's sputum under maximum safety conditions. The project started after identifying the need for such a product for TB hospitals and centers. The SAFE cabinet, developed by ELECTRONIC APRIL (by own funds), integrates the collecting technology components into the product. Preliminary tests were performed, the functionality of the concept and assembly was established and the functionality of the product was demonstrated, which was internally validated at laboratory level - TRL4. At the end of the project, the lab model will be validated and demonstrated on a real scale, by simulating the real operating conditions (TRL5) in which all the components (the actual cabin, the command and control systems, the robotic arm) are assembled in a configuration almost similar to the final application. Further development of the SAFE cabinet and its commercialization by ELECTRONIC APRIL will contribute to the TB morbidity and mortality decrease and, in particular, by limiting the spread of infection, disease and/or associated nosocomial infections. The business plan demonstrates the SAFE project necessity, opportunity and contribution to (1) the strengthening of cooperation between the public and private research environment, (2) the development of the company in the long term, (3) the increase of its competitiveness and profitability.

High accuracy innovative approach for the robotic assisted intraoperatory treatment of hepatic tumors based on imagistic-molecular diagnosis Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0221 2018 - 2021

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU" (RO); INSTITUTUL DE MECANICA SOLIDELOR (RO); INSTITUTUL REGIONAL DE GASTROENTEROLOGIE - HEPATOLOGIE PROF. DR. OCTAVIAN FODOR CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://cester.utcluj.ro/improve/home

Abstract:

The IMPROVE project will be developed by a transdisciplinary group, which integrates the knowledge of multiple specialists from the technical field (such as mechanical engineers, computer science engineers and material sciences engineers), a team of medical doctors (surgeons, gastroenterologists, oncologists, and radiologists), and a team of chemical scientists. The IMPROVE group will develop an innovative solution for the treatment of the patients diagnosed with non resectable hepatic tumors, based on a novel robotic system, and an novel medical imaging diagnostic tool. The majority of the hepatic tumors are not resectable due to a variety of factors such as tumor placement, size, and the patient general condition. In order to deliver a better palliative care towards the patient, and a better quality of life, the IMPROVE project proposes an integrated system to deliver treatment in the form of brachytherapy or chemotherapy. The treatment will be delivered in a minimally invasive manner, guided by a robot (which delivers the treatment agent through needles), based with a non-invasive diagnostic method. The diagnosis stage consists of the development of “smart” image analysis algorithms which can detect and define some hepatic diseases such as cancers. The preplanning stage will define the treatment method as well as the needle trajectories. For the treatment delivery a robotic structure will be developed to help the clinicians in the minimally invasive (laparoscopic) in situ procedure. The treatment agent (brachytherapy of chemotherapy) will be precisely delivered within the tumor using specialized instruments (for needle insertion and delivery) guided by the robotic system. The IMPROVE team is composed out of experienced researchers whit excellent results in the medical field, and well based former collaborations. The group synergy represents a key factor in obtaining positive results in the survival outcome of the hepatic cancer patients.

Innovative development of Rehabilitation and Assistive Healthy Ageing Robotic Systems Call name:
-

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners:

Affiliation:

Project website:

Abstract:

Innovative robotic system for cancer treatment Call name:
EIT Health InnoStars RIS 2020 Innovation Call 2020 - 2020

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA ()

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA ()

Project website:

Abstract:

HEAL4LIV proposes the development of an innovative, modular robotic system for HCC treatment through percutaneous HDR brachytherapy, RFA or targeted intratumoral chemotherapy.

HEAL4LIV advantages:

-Modularity: One robotic system for accurate positioning of the needles with three different, interchangeable robotic medical instruments

-Medical versatility: HEAL4LIV offers a wide selection of approaches for curative and palliative HCC treatment (RFA, HDRBT, IDR)

-Cost efficiency: one integrated solution is cheaper than three different robotic systems, on a long term

-Accuracy: Robotic assisted instrument precision absolutely surpasses competitions’ solutions

An innovative robotic system for upper limb rehabilitation Call name:
EIT Health InnoStars RIS 2019 Innovation Call 2019 - 2019

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO); SPITALUL CLINIC MUNICIPAL (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

InnoHealth consortium aims to develop an innovative modular rehabilitation robotic system designed for post-stroke

patients with impaired upper limb, consisting of three robotic modules able to perform:

1. Shoulder rehabilitation (first module) achieving adduction/abduction and flexion/extension;

2. Elbow rehabilitation (second module) achieving elbow flexion and pronation/supination;

3. Wrist rehabilitation (third module) achieving wrist adduction/abduction and flexion/extension.

The modules can work independently (each module can be acquired separately) and simultaneously (the system works

with up to 3 patients at a time). Each module is an exoskeleton having adjustable elements to cover the 95th percentile of the population.

Maciejasz et al. in “A survey on robotic devices for upper limb rehabilitation” state that: “Modularity and re-configurability are concepts that could reduce therapy costs by adopting therapeutic devices for various disabilities or stages in patient recovery.” The InnoHealth solution is unique and better than existing solutions since it provides an innovative modular design of the robotic system, with clear advantages in terms of:

a. Cost efficiency: each robotic module can be acquired and operated separately;

b. Distinct functionality: the InnoHealth robotic system can work with three different patients simultaneously, treating

different arm limbs in each case;

c. Easier maintenance: in case a module repairing, the others may still work.

InnoHealth starts at IML3 as the robotic PoC has been achieved and validated in laboratory experiments. 6 clinicians estimated the prototype. Initial needs and workflow for the robotic system have been updated. Specific instruments (1 report, 3 questionnaires) regarding competitor’s analysis, the value proposition, the path to payment and stakeholder map have been developed (more than 10 stakeholders). Medical solution has been classified, medical indications for robotic system use and regulatory pathway regarding CE marking have been identified and written (in long lasting cooperation with the Municipal Clinic Hospital Cluj-Napoca - partner P1). Reports with PoC demonstration results using healthy subjects have been achieved.

Manipulation Systems for Sample Handling in a Sample Receiving Facility Call name:
TASUK /16/11305/NBO/1424 -

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: Thales UK

Project partners:

Affiliation:

Project website:

Abstract:

A multi-purpose needle insertion device for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-0992 2015 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: http://www.cester.utcluj.ro/accurate/index.html

Abstract:

The fight against cancer has two main components strongly interconnected: diagnosis and treatment. An early, accurate diagnosis can provide the means for local targeted treatment of the tumors with excellent life expectancy.

In accordance with the complementary competences and experience of the research group the main project objective is defined: Development of a family of needle placement devices able to perform highly accurate needle guidance with force feedback in three oncologic procedures: biopsies, brachytherapy and radiofrequency ablation.

The ACCURATE project is lead by dr.-ing. Calin VAIDA, a young scientist (34 years old) with an excellent scientific activity which sums up to over 90 scientific papers (11 in ISI journals), over 65 citations (without self-citations, in SCOPUS), the participation in over 20 projects (coordinating 7), 8 patent applications and 1 accepted one, three books and a book in Springer as Co-editor. Calin VAIDA completed his PhD and postdoctoral studies in medical engineering contributing to the achievement of several robotic solutions which represented national premieres in minimally invasive surgery and oncology.

His background and experience, along with the competences of the research team appointed for this project, supports the goals of ACCURATE representing a warranty for the successful completion of the project objectives and the development of a new, innovative tool, contributing to the development of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

SYSTEM FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY OF SPINE DISEASES Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1596 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO); UNIV.DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE - CAROL DAVILA (RO); ELECTRONIC APRIL APARATURA ELECTRONICA SPECIALA S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: http://spine.unitbv.ro/

Abstract:

This project aims at designing, developing and testing an innovative system for the diagnosis and treatment of spine disorders. The product is based on a patent pending idea of the project team and consists in a mechatronic device able to measure in real time the instantaneous position of the human spine facilitating a precise diagnosis as well as continuous monitoring for prevention and/or treatment of spine disorders.

Most of the spine disorders are due to abnormal postures during the daily routine that are characteristic to some activities or bad habits related to spine postures when seated or standing. Once installed, for most of the spine disorders medication is available just for pain relief, while for curing corrective postures and posture education are the only remedies. In more serious cases surgical interventions can be possible but then other secondary risks appear. In the acute phases the treatment consists in following specific physical exercises and respecting corrective postures that are under strict surveillance in hospital until the symptoms improve. After leaving the hospital, a strict posture discipline is needed for long time. Nevertheless, most of the patients reintegrate rapidly into the old daily routine - the same that caused the disease and very often the disease relapses.

The main idea of the proposed system is to create an intelligent clothing item (vest) able to identify in real time the deviation from the prescribed postures and warn the patient about it. The sensorial vest is equipped with positional sensors, small actuators, controllers and a portable computer system (smartphone, tablet), which can identify in real time geometric positions of the vertebrae. The gathered information is then processed by a dedicated application that can serve for two important medical purposes:

a) Diagnose – consisting in the accurate measurement of spinal instantaneous posture, interpretation of data and comparison with reference data about spine diseases that are stored in a knowledge base. For the diagnosis purpose the system is driven by a desktop application including an accurate 3D user interface that is convenient to use by the medical team for both interpreting the results and simulation of the possible postural treatments.

b) Therapy – the system is driven by a smartphone application and it is able to perform a permanent monitoring of the spine postures and compare them with prescribed references. If the prescribed posture is violated, the patient receives a delicate warning stimulus on the deviated spot to remind him/her to correct the posture. In addition, the application installed onto the smartphone will be able adapt the reference postures, according to the progress of the therapy.

The project is addressing the priority area 7.3.8.Organic prosthetic equipment and medical equipment for examination, diagnosis and monitoring based on computer and includes all ingredients of a classical mechatronic approach: mobile kinematic structure, sensor and actuator system and the controller connected with a computer program application. The project consortium includes two academic research teams with expertise in mechatronics (Transilvania University of Brasov and Technical University Cluj-Napoca), one academic team with expertise in medicine (University of Medicine Carol Davila of Bucharest) and one enterprise team from a company operating on the biomedical mechatronic products market -April SRL.

The movements of the vertebrae are detected by using various types of transducers and thus the actual posture can be identified by means of a 3D model that represents the vertebrae linked together by appropriate joints. In the context of the European priorities related to healthy ageing, the product has a high market potential, given that 60-90% of the population is affected by lumbar problems until they reach an age of 90. To the best knowledge of the project consortium, no similar product or system exists on the market

Robotic assisted prostate biopsy, a high accuracy innovative method Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0647 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO); ELECTRONIC APRIL APARATURA ELECTRONICA SPECIALA S.R.L. (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD FILIALA INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARI PENTRU INSTRUMENTATIE ANALITICA CLUJ NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: http://www.cester.utcluj.ro/robocore/index.html

Abstract:

Prostate cancer is the most widely spread form of cancer, generally affecting men of age over 45. Several studies showed that 80% of the men over 70 had different forms of prostate cancer, most of them not being aware of that.

As in any disease, early diagnosis allows simpler curative actions, less patient trauma, better life expectancy and quality for the patient. Nevertheless, the diagnosis for prostate cancer is carried in the same way as it was performed 50 years ago. It involves a 12-core, transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy (TRUS). This technique is performed without knowing the exact 3D tumours location and it was proven that in 30% of the cases, it provides false-negative results. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables a better view of the prostate with clear tumour definition, but MRI guided biopsy can be achieved only with MRI compatible materials which make the procedure prohibitive. The current worldwide diagnosis technique for prostate cancer has some major drawbacks: low real-time image quality, blind biopsy and impossibility of registering the 3D location of the biopsy cores.

Early and correct diagnosis represents a critical priority and due to the current limitations it becomes the starting point of the ROBOCORE project. The consortium proposes the development of a system to achieve high accuracy ultrasound guided prostate biopsies through: ► the biopsy accuracy increase by the development of a robot capable to position the biopsy gun using the visual feedback from the TRUS probe, and ► the achievement of a software solution which performs the simulation, in virtual reality, of the prostate biopsy using MRI data.

The project aim is to develop a robotic system which combines the MRI capacity to identify malignant tissue and precisely define the biopsy targets with the accessibility and real-time capability of an ultrasound guided system. Using the virtual reality software the coordinates of the biopsy targets are identified, and using the robot the biopsy is performed with high accuracy. The system has two major components: ► a robot capable to perform the TRUS guided biopsy based on specific points of interest identified before, and ► an advanced software capable to perform the simulation in a virtual environment for the robotic assisted prostate biopsy.

Based on the defined aim and estimated results (Experimental Model of the robot capable of performing prostate biopsies + simulation software in virtual reality environment for the prostate biopsy + trained young scientists, 6 PhD students +patent +10 papers + 5 communications) ROBOCORE addresses the Domain 7–Innovative Materials, Processes and Products, and responds to the demands formulated in the research theme 7.3.2 Applied mechatronics; intelligent mechatronic products and systems.

The consortium is coordinated by the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca with renowned specialists in the field of parallel robots, and four institutional partners: University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca with a team of urology doctors specialised in prostate cancer, University Transilvania of Brasov, which provides the software and virtual reality specialists, the Research Institute for Analytical Instrumentation with know-how in the development of medical devices and a private company, Electronic April Cluj-Napoca, specialised in medical apparatus development and commercialization. It must be stated that all the consortium members have previous experience and successful achievements in the field of medical robotics.

The end-product of ROBOCORE is an innovative complex system, which aims to provide accurate diagnosis in early cancer stages, enabling the proper therapy identification and an active surveillance of the tumours evolution which reduces the patient discomfort, provides him the right treatment at the right time and also enables proper follow-up after each evaluation or therapy stage.

Robotic assisted brachytherapy, an innovative approach of inoperable cancers Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-0414 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO); ELECTRONIC APRIL APARATURA ELECTRONICA SPECIALA S.R.L. (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: http://www.cester.utcluj.ro/chance.html

Abstract:

Cancer is one of the main causes of death nowadays, due to a complex set of uncontrollable natural and artificial factors. An innovative option in the fight against cancer is brachytherapy (BT), called also internal radiation. BT enables to deliver higher doses of radiation to more-specific areas of the body, compared with the conventional form of radiation therapy. That means a very high dose can be delivered to a well defined area, without harming the healthy tissue in the immediate vicinity. The precision of the radioactive placement is crucial, as a geographical miss of a part of the tumor might cause a recurrence, whereas inserting the catheters outside the tumor will profoundly and uselessly irradiate healthy tissue, inducing necrosis and severe complications.

The project consortium proposes an innovative minimal invasive approach in brachytherapy interventions, offering viable solutions for the treatment of cancer patients considered inoperable.

Therefore, CHANCE intends to develop a robotic system having high accuracy and dexterity able to insert the BT catheters in deeply situated primary or recurrent cancers, in cases judged inoperable whether by the topography/extension of the disease or by the medical general condition. These include paravertebral tumors, retroperitoneal sarcomas, head and neck cancers, brain, liver, lung, bone or any inoperable symptomatic metastases.

In the new proposed concept the pre-planning phase will be longer, but the operating time and the invasivity on the patient is minimized, offering the inoperable cancer patient a chance to survive.

The aim of the project can be defined: The project intends to exploit the complementary competences from different fields in order to develop innovative solutions with outstanding performances due to accurate control systems based on the concept and characteristics of advanced robotics in order to offer efficient solutions for minimally invasive approach in the treatment of inoperable cancers.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects