title: Development and validation of a numerical model for cross-section optimization of a multi-part probe for soft tissue intervention.
abstract: The popularity of minimally invasive surgical procedures is driving the development of novel, safer and more accurate surgical tools. In this context a multi-part probe for soft tissue surgery is being developed in the Mechatronics in Medicine Laboratory at Imperial College, London. This study reports an optimization procedure using finite element methods, for the identification of an interlock geometry able to limit the separation of the segments composing the multi-part probe. An optimal geometry was obtained and the corresponding three-dimensional finite element model validated experimentally. Simulation results are shown to be consistent with the physical experiments. The outcome of this study is an important step in the provision of a novel miniature steerable probe for surgery.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Engineering, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Frasson
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Neubert
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Reina
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Oldfield
authors.forename: B L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rodriguez Y Baena
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D040761:Biomimetic Materials; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D055119:Elastic Modulus; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005260:Female; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D008904:Miniaturization; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation; D008954:Models, Biological; D009038:Motion; D009991:Oscillometry / Q000295:instrumentation; D010058:Oviposition / Q000502:physiology*; D011677:Punctures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014863:Wasps / Q000502:physiology*