Tumor diseases, traumatic damage and malformations often cause defects of body integrity, which makes plastic-reconstructive surgery necessary. Extensive defects require, among other things, the transfer of distant free flaps. Until now, the different pre- and intraoperative images have been analyzed and interpreted visually by the surgeon. However, there is no assistance system on the market that supports the intraoperative planning of reconstructive surgeries.
The SORLIC project aims at the development of such a mobile system, which will consist of a mobile cart, a measurement system, image processing functionalities for the automatic interpretation of image data, and a user interface for controlling the system and for generating medical documentation. It shall automatically recognize the perforator vessels and the supplied regions by means of imaging and propose a donor flap placement. This information will be projected onto the patient to support the surgeon in the decision making process.

Aim of this project is to develop a real time pulse oximetry system based on endoscopic multispectral imaging. Relevant medical applications will be determined and preclinically evaluated.

The project aims to acquire and analyse hyperspectral data with a laparoscopic HSI-system in the clinical context. Furthermore, methods for the automated classification and visualisation of tissue with hyperspectral data will be developed and implemented.

The goal of the joint project ‘MR-Biopsy’ is to research a worldwide first MR safe flexible biopsy forceps. This should improve the minimally invasive and image-guided removal of tissue samples without the previous high X-ray and contrast agent exposure. (read more)

The goal of this project is the development of a mobile system for lung function diagnostics in emergency situations. Based on electrical impedance tomography (EIT), changes of electrical properties in the lung are measured using an easily applicable electrode belt. This allows for a three-dimensional imaging and functional analysis to assess ventilation status. (read more)

Das Projekt SONORAY hat zum Ziel, therapeutischen fokussierten Ultraschall (FUS) und Strahlentherapie (RT) zur Behandlung von malignen Tumoren sowie Tumormetastasen zu kombinieren. Die zugrunde liegende Hypothese ist, dass zwei Gewebe zerstörende Methoden/ Energien (Energie von hochintensiven akustischen Wellen und ionisierender Strahlung) effektiver im Kampf gegen Krebs sind, als wenn jeweils nur eine der beiden Energien angewendet wird. (read more)

The aim of CURE-OP is to develop the first commercially available high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) platform specifically designed for combinational cancer therapy. Today, the most common treatment options to cure cancer are surgery, radiation therapy (RT), chemotherapy and targeted therapy including immunotherapy. The approach followed in the CURE-OP project is not to replace any of those options, but to use focused ultrasound to enhance their effectiveness, in this case, the outcome of radiotherapy. (read more)

Image-guided medical interventions gain more and more clinical acceptance. The imaging via ultrasound, X-ray computed tomogra­phy or magnetic resonance tomography allows minimal- and non-invasive pro­cedures such as biopsies, thermal ablation, and emboli­zation. Image guidance leads to smaller incisions and thus re­duces inflammation and hospitalization. (read more)

In cooperation with the Max Planck Institute for Cognitive and Neurosciences and the Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering (IBMT) in St. Ingbert, the possibilities of the application of Focused Ultrasound (FUS) for neuromodulation and neurostimulation are investigated. (read more)

Goal of the joint project MR-Stents is the development of a Magnetic Resonance (MR)-guided stent implantation. MR imaging obviates the exposure to radiation and contrast media and enables an increased differentiation of the heart, blood flow analysis, and a 3D display of the heart – enhancing the stent implantation procedure. (read more)