Robotic-Guided Ultrasound System for Peripheral Arterial Disease (RoGUS-PAD)

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Floris Ernst; Professor Dr. Markus Kleemann
• Subject Area: Cardiac and Vascular Surgery ; Medical Physics, Biomedical Technology
• Term: since 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 445694211

Following the continuous increase in vascular diseases, the number of peripheral en-dovascular interventions in Germany is also steadily rising. A hitherto unsolved problem of peripheral endovascular intervention methods is the necessity of using X-rays and kidney-damaging X-ray contrast agents. Furthermore, the real-time representation of hemodynamic parameters by two-dimensional angiography is only insufficient. The primary goal of the RoGUS-PAD project is to perform peripheral endovascular interventions without the use of X-rays and X-ray contrast agents and to improve the visualization of hemodynamic parameters. This is to be achieved by a novel intervention system combining the technique of ultrasound visualization with robot-assisted guidance of the transducer.In concrete terms, the following medical engineering problems are to be solved:• Automatic calibration of all systems involved (ultrasound, robot, X-ray for validation)• Fully automatic, robot-assisted intervention navigation with display of the peripheral vascular system in 2D/3D ultrasound ("ultrasound angiogram")• Acquisition of a Doppler flow image over the entire length of the leg artery• Validation of different methods for intraoperative imaging (IVUS, OCT)RoGUS-PAD provides the surgeon with new possibilities for peripheral endovascular interventions. By using robot-supported ultrasound, it will be possible to navigate and perform peripheral endovascular interventions with reduction of X-ray and contrast agent exposure. In addition, the real-time display of hemodynamic parameters by duplex ultrasound will allow improved intra-interventional success control.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants