Development of a Liver Phantom Mimicking Respiratory Motion for Robotic Needle Insertion

MSc assignment

This project aims to create and control a human liver phantom that accurately simulates the natural movement and dynamics of the liver within the human body. The liver phantom, designed with realistic materials and advanced engineering techniques, will replicate the liver's behavior during regular physiological movements such as breathing, digestion, and body motion.

The liver phantom will incorporate sensors and actuators to monitor and simulate the liver’s position, motion, and deformation under varying conditions. By mimicking these real-time movements, this project provides a realistic, controllable model for medical research and training. It will be especially useful for the development of non-invasive diagnostic tools, surgical simulations, and personalized treatment planning. The project also integrates computational models for controlling liver motion, making it possible to replicate specific conditions like liver disease or trauma in a controlled environment.

One of the key innovations of this project is the integration of robot-assisted needle insertion. The liver phantom will be designed to simulate real-world liver conditions, allowing robotic systems to perform needle insertions, such as biopsy or drug delivery, with precision. By combining the dynamic movements of the liver with robotic technology, the project will provide an invaluable platform for practicing and improving minimally invasive procedures. Surgeons and medical professionals can refine their skills in targeting the liver with needles, ensuring higher accuracy and better outcomes in real-world procedures.

Through this innovative model, researchers and medical professionals will gain valuable insights into liver function and its interactions with surrounding organs, improving both the accuracy of diagnosis and the precision of surgical procedures. The combination of realistic motion and robotic needle insertion offers a powerful tool for training, research, and the advancement of liver-related medical treatments.