About the project
This project aims to develop innovative miniature ultrasonic devices specifically designed for bone surgery. It aims to advance the current design by introducing innovative configurations, incorporating novel structures in miniaturized devices, and integrating them with surgical robotics to enhance precision and improve clinical outcomes.
Ultrasonic surgery is gaining an increased attention for its ability to provide minimally invasive alternatives to traditional procedures, offering benefits such as low force, high precision, tissue selectivity, reduced micro-damage to tissues, and faster post-operative healing.
The current design of ultrasonic surgical devices are based on one or multiple half-wavelengths resonators, posing great challenges on the integration with flexible endo-wrist of a surgical robot for minimally invasive surgeries inside the body. This project aims to revolutionise the design of conventional transducers by introducing new configurations and novel structures in miniaturised ultrasonic surgical devices.
The research will explore various flextensional configurations to investigate the potential for device miniaturization through both virtual and physical prototyping. Additionally, it will incorporate metamaterial structures in the devices to study vibrational behaviour and make adjustments aimed at achieving more controlled dynamic responses.
You will integrate this miniature device with surgical robots at the STORM lab, University of Leeds, to perform robot-assisted bone cutting experiments, emulating bone-related surgical procedures, for example orthopaedic surgeries.
You will join our Mechatronics and Bioengineering research groups at the department of mechanical engineering, and have access to 3D X-ray histology, imaging, and other advanced facilities. You will also carry out in vitro and in vivo cutting experiments at the Southampton General Hospital.
This project will provide you with a strong foundation in ultrasonics and advanced materials, opening diverse career opportunities in academia, research, and industry. You will be well-positioned for roles in leading medical technology companies and healthcare innovation.
