EPSRC DTP PhD Studentship: Understanding coherent light-tissue interaction for optical tissue soldering in minimally invasive robotic surgery (2022)

What you get

Standard UKRI stipend of £16,062 stipend, research training grant of £1,650 per annum and full tuition fees up to the overseas rate for 3.5 years.

Type of award

Postgraduate Research

PhD project

Despite the advances in robotic based minimally invasive surgery (MIS), suturing remains a challenge in every surgical procedure. Acquiring laparoscopic suturing skills requires the surgeon to overcome a steep learning curve as it is required to develop the ability of manipulating a robotic device with reduced degrees of freedom [1].

This research project aims to overcome the current challenges in MIS by setting the foundations for the development of an optical based device capable of redefining the suturing procedure using IR pulsed laser technology to perform tissue soldering. To achieve this, it is important to develop a deep understanding tissue composition, in particular the water contents, which changes within the different types of tissue where skin and muscles contain approximately 70–75%. This research will set the foundation for the design and development of an optical tool for tissue soldering, considering that, in water molecules, the single photon absorption spectrum defines the number of photons absorbed at a given wavelength also being key on the obtained tensile strength in the joined tissue.

This project has three fundamental research objectives:

1. To develop an optical based sensor for evaluating the percentage of water content in tissue and be able to determine the optimum photon dose required to perform tissue soldering.

2. To develop a photon-absorption model through fundamental investigations on light-tissue interaction for developing a new methodology for tissue soldering considering broadband laser emission.

3. To assess the strength of the newly formed suture (welded tissue) designing and developing an optical stiffness sensing technique.

Harnessing these synergistic technologies, the project will create a one-shot optical probing, soldering and assessment tool for deployment in MIS. This research will open the door to explore the potential for integrating AI control algorithms to automate MIS tasks.

Eligibility

The stipend is available to: UK / EU / Overseas.

The fee waiver is available to: UK / EU / Overseas.

Eligible candidates will have a 2:1 degree or equivalent in a related field.

Deadline

How to apply

Apply online for a full time PhD in Engineering using our step-by-step guide (http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/apply). Here you will also find details of our entry requirements.

Please clearly state on your application form that you are applying for the EPSRC DTP 2022 under the supervision of Dr Rodrigo Aviles-Espinosa (R.Aviles-Espinosa@sussex.ac.uk) 

Contact us

For queries related to the admissions process please contact PhD.Engineering@sussex.ac.uk. For queries related to the research project please contact R.Aviles-Espinosa@sussex.ac.uk.

Timetable

Deadline: EXTENDED to June 10th 

Interview Date: Late June 

Decision: Early July

Start Date: 19th September