In association with our collaborators we have been testing clinically as well as in-vitro a number of configuration and sizes of sensors that may prove useful in the evaluation of tissue characteristics, particularly in terms of their stiffness. Such biosensors are targeted to be used clinically on probes as a substitutive for palpation and subsequently as haptic devises potentially useful in robotic systems and laparoscopic surgery.
Currently our lab’s principal dedication is the development and validation of a probe designed to measure the strength of contraction of the pelvic floor. Our purpose is to define the parameters of pelvic floor contraction strength and its relation to urinary continence. We started this systematic study by finding out the normal values that the pelvic floor produces by recruiting normal healthy volunteers with no symptoms of incontinence. For comparison we are now evaluating subjects with urinary incontinence so that we can identify the importance of pelvic floor training in protecting patients from leakage.
Our long term approach is based in producing a number of instrumented sensor systems that would define the biomechanical properties of the relevant tissues and their response to the kind of stresses, like coughing, that are likely to produce incontinence.
The following publications outline some of the direction our sensor technology as used clinically in human investigations, and scaled down in size on the microscopic level, in basic biologic tissue studies.
Constantinou CE, & Omata S. Novel and directionally sensitive probe: design and bio-mechanical specifications. In: Incontinence: Engineering Challenge. Proceedings of Institute of Mechanical Engineers, London, 2003
Constantinou CE. Yoshimura Y, Yamaguchi O & Omata S. Pilot clinical application of directionally sensitive intra-vaginal sensor probe. In: Incontinence: The Engineering Challenge. Proceedings of Institute of Mechanical Engineers, London, 2003
Murayama Y, Constantinou CE.& Omata S: Micro mechanical sensing platform for the characterization of the elastic properties of the ovum via un axial measurement. J of Biomechanics 37, 67-72, 2004
Omata S, Murayama Y, Constantinou CE: Real time tactile sensor for the determination of the physical properties of biomaterials. Sensors and Actuators A (112) 278-285, 2004
Omata S, Murayama Y, Constantinou CE: Development of a novel surgical support instrument and virtual system incorporating new tactile sensor technology. Stud Health Technol Inform. 98:288-90, 2004
Omata S, Muriyama Y, Constantinou CE: Development of a novel surgical support instrument and virtual system incorporating new tactile sensor technology. TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATICS, MMVR(12) 288-290, 2004
Murayama Y, Constantinou CE, Omata S: Remote Sensing of Mechanical Properties of Materials Using a Novel Ultrasound Transducer and Signal. IEEE Proceedings in Ultrasonics and Ferromagnetics (52) 439-444, 2005
Murayama Y, Constantinou CE, Omata S: Development of Tactile Mapping system suitable for the characterization of tissue engineering materials using novel tactile sensing technology Sensors and Actuators A (120) 543-549, 2005
Omata S, Murayama Y, Constantinou CE: Multi-Sensory Surgical Support System Incorporating, Visual, and Auditory Perception Modalities TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATICS, MMVR(13) Ed. Westwood, 369-371, 2005
