Background
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the sixth most common type of cancer worldwide, according to the 2022 cancer statistics [1]. This cancer type includes all malignancies that occur in the oral cavity, the larynx and the pharynx [2,3].
The treatment of HNC patients frequently leads to permanent changes to their physiology and anatomy, often paired with permanent loss of swallowing and speech functions. The extreme patient burden that HNC patients endure severely affects their quality of life [4].
High-resolution impedance manometry (HRIM) has shown potential to provide an objective quantification of the swallow quality. Currently, HRIM insertion without imaging aid (endoscope or fluoroscopy) is challenging, and can lead to complications in the patients [5]. We hypothesize that this is one of the reasons why HRIM is not widely used in the outpatient clinic as a standard of care exam.
In this project, we aim to develop a system that takes HRIM to the outpatient clinic:
- We aim to integrate visual feedback on the HRIM catheter, reducing the need for secondary imaging techniques.
- We aim to perform robotized insertion of the HRIM catheter, for decreased ergonomic efforts on the clinical staff, and more accurate and precise insertion
Aim
This assignment will focus on the design and prototyping of an adaptor system to integrate a small endoscopic camera into a HRIM catheter.
This system is to be manually handled by clinicians for subsequent incorporation in a robotized framework.
What we offer
- A HRIM catheter for testing
- Access to team of experts in 3D printing and modelling
- Nice lab support for prototyping
What we look for
- A student that has experience with prototyping and 3D modelling (or eager to learn)
- A student that has an interest in robotics and systems for medical applications
If you're a student and are interested in finding out more about this assignment, please send an email to m.m.rocha@utwente.nl.
References
[1] Bray, Freddie, et al. "Global cancer statistics 2022: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries." CA: a cancer journal for clinicians 74.3 (2024): 229-263
[2] Rettig, Eleni M., and Gypsyamber D’Souza. "Epidemiology of head and neck cancer." Surgical oncology clinics 24.3 (2015): 379-396.
[3] Gormley, Mark, et al. "Reviewing the epidemiology of head and neck cancer: definitions, trends and risk factors." British Dental Journal 233.9 (2022): 780-786.
[4] Howren, M. Bryant, et al. "Psychological factors associated with head and neck cancer treatment and survivorship: evidence and opportunities for behavioral medicine." Journal of consulting and clinical psychology 81.2 (2013): 299.
[5] Cheriyan, S. S., Schar, M., Woods, C. M., Szczesniak, M., Cock, C., Omari, T. I., ... & Ooi, E. H. (2023). Clinical application of pharyngeal high-resolution manometry in Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) practice. Australian Journal of Otolaryngology, 6, 1-14.