Experimental Characterization of in-vivo Materials by Instrumented Manipulations

Realistic simulation of tool-tissue interactions is necessary for the development of surgical simulators and one of the key element for it realism is accurate bio-mechanical tissue models. The main goal of this project is to determined the mechanical properties of soft tissue by minimizing the difference between experimental measurements and analytical or simulated solutions of the deformation. Using this technique, we were previously able to demonstrate that on can estimates accurately the material property that best fit the experimental data compared to a simulated compression and a needle indentation with a flat-tip. We were also validated our results using multiple tool-tissue interactions over the same specimen. In the new project, we would like to develop a new tool that can infer material properties of in-vivo tissues by manipulation with an instrumented endoscope.

We are now looking for a new Masters student that will be fully paid for two years to continue the development of this system .

Testing aparatus with force/torque sensor and 3D tracker

Testing aparatus with force/torque sensor and 3D tracker

Testing cube with 3D targets

Testing cube with 3D targets

Needle Insertion Point

Needle Insertion Point

FEM Simulation

FEM Simulation