The project dealt with the generic problem of training and monitoring minimally invasive endoscopic soft tissue surgery by tracking tools and tissue.

A training system for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) was developed as a particular concept demonstrator (hence the name TURP - Trainer/ Monitor). The final report can be downloaded.

The project was a joint venture of Imperial College and the Bristol Urological Institute at Southmead Hospital, carried out between April 1998 and March 2001. It was sponsored by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC grant GR/L80577/01). Additional sponsors included Karl Storz Endoscopy (UK), and Limbs & Things Ltd.

Images from the TURP trainer project

Click on a thumbnail image to see a larger version. All images are Copyright Imperial College - if you wish to use one, please contact the group first - we may be able to provide images at a higher resolution than those shown here.

Overview of TURP trainer
Overview of TURP trainer

Computer assisted TURP trainer in use
Computer assisted TURP trainer in use
 
Resectoscope instrumented to allow tracking of its position, orientation and cutter extension
Resectoscope instrumented to allow tracking of its position, orientation and cutter extension
 
View of ring containing IREDs to allow the resectoscope’s position and orientation to be monitored
View of ring containing IREDs to allow the resectoscope’s position and orientation to be monitored
 
View of mock-up abdomen. The prostate phantom is secured within it.
View of mock-up abdomen. The prostate phantom is secured within it.
 
View of the prostate phantom used, made by Limbs & Things Ltd, Bristol.
View of the prostate phantom used, made by Limbs & Things Ltd, Bristol.
 
View of the artificial “bladder”, designed at Imperial College to contain a gelatine prostate phantom that can be scanned using ultrasound
View of the artificial “bladder”, designed at Imperial College to contain a gelatine prostate phantom that can be scanned using ultrasound
 
Formers and moulds for the gelatine phantoms, based on the Limbs & Things prostate, that can be scanned using ultrasound
Formers and moulds for the gelatine phantoms, based on the Limbs & Things prostate, that can be scanned using ultrasound
 
The operating room tracking probe for the resectoscope, manufactured by Traxtal Technologies
The operating room tracking probe for the resectoscope, manufactured by Traxtal Technologies
 
Visibility tests in the operating room of the resectosocpe instrumented for optical tracking
Visibility tests in the operating room of the resectosocpe instrumented for optical tracking

Contact details

Prof. Ferdinando Rodriguez y Baena

Co-Director Hamlyn Centre, Professor in Medical Robotics

Prof. Brian Davies
Senior Research Investigator

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