Playing doctor in the town square
For three days in July, researchers in the MIRACLE II project brought their work down from the ivory tower and on to the town square, where they introduced its revolutionary technologies to the citizens of Basel.
Basel’s Theatre Square (Theaterplatz) is always well worth a visit: the Fontaine du carnaval created by Swiss artist Jean Tinguely—also called the Tinguely Fountain—features ten fantastical machines that continuously spray water into the air. Even upon close inspection, it remains something of a mystery as to exactly how the iron installation works. On a sunny day in July, a different, yet no less extraordinary, attraction is on display at the square: a mobile laboratory containing the main components of the MIRACLE II project—which is financed by the Werner Siemens Foundation (WSS)—was installed directly next to the fountain.
In collaboration with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, the team at the University of Basel’s Department of Biomedical Engineering (DBE) designed the mobile lab with the aim of introducing the revolutionary MIRACLE technologies to a wider audience—while simultaneously making the world of science more accessible to the public. “After all, we’re not conducting our research for the ivory tower. We want to advance medical care, and we want everyone to benefit from our work,” says Philippe Cattin, project leader of MIRACLE II.
This summer, the millions of people who visit the Swiss pavilion at the World’s Expo in Osaka, Japan, have the opportunity to get to know MIRACLE II. And so the researchers decided it was only fair to spend at least three days with the citizens of Basel, introducing them to the innovations developed in their city. The mobile lab showcases the four main interacting project areas: 3D printing; virtual reality and artificial intelligence; laser techniques; and robotics. The set-up offers visitors a playful way to learn about the complex technologies. “We’re offering short tours for small groups or individuals so that everyone can benefit from the experience,” says Daniela Vavrecka-Sidler, DBE managing director and—today—acting tour guide.
Getting into your head
Vavrecka-Sidler calls the first instalment a “surgeon’s PlayStation”, because SpectoVR—the 3D software program developed by Philippe Cattin and his team—transforms CT and MRI scans into interactive 3D images, making it possible to look inside the human body. Visitors to the mobile lab can wear 3D goggles to try out the technology for themselves and learn how it aids doctors and surgeons. The goggles enable the wearer to peer into the brain of a patient with an aneurysm, view a bulging blood vessel from all angles—and also attempt to treat it. Whoever dares (virtually, it goes without saying) can use a small metal clip to clamp the aneurysm at the bulge in order to stop the blood flow and prevent further growth. Just like a real surgeon.
The second station features a robot from Georg Rauter’s research lab. When a button is activated, the robot begins pressing a custom-made implant directly into the model of a patient’s skull. “Bringing this application to the operating theatre will make these types of surgical interventions faster and safer,” Daniela Vavrecka-Sidler says. One of the main challenges in realising the technology is ensuring that the on-site 3D printed implants fit into uneven or rounded surfaces like those found in a skull; the team are currently testing AI-based solutions to the problem.
Laser football
The third station at the mobile lab is a big draw for young people—and for those who remain young at heart. A table football game has been set up, but one that the DBE team have upgraded considerably with cutting-edge technology. The figures, created using a 3D printer, represent players from the Swiss women’s national football team competing in the European football tournament held in Switzerland at the same time as the three-day event. Instead of a ball, however, the figures shoot a laser beam into the goal. The figures’ feet are fitted with mirrors so that, when a laser beam is projected onto the pitch from an opening at the side of the table, the light is passed from one player to the next—and into the goal.
The laser technique is the speciality of Ferda Canbaz and her research group. In reality, of course, the MIRACLE project uses lasers to cut bones, not score goals, and the laser device will be installed in the tiny tip of the surgical robot for use in minimally invasive bone surgery. Daniela Vavrecka-Sidler explains that lasers have various advantages. For one, they don’t heat up when they cut, meaning less tissue is destroyed than when conventional bone cutters are used. For another, the MIRACLE laser can detect the type of tissue in the surrounding area, which helps prevent cuts into healthy tissue.
The fourth and final station in the mobile lab leads back to the world of 3D printing. A large display of printed implants from Florian Thieringer’s 3D printing lab at the University Hospital Basel gives visitors an idea of what this technology is already capable of doing. Vavrecka-Sidler says that the biocompatibility of materials used in 3D-printed medical implants is continually improving, making them much safer for use in the human body. As part of the special event, young visitors can print a personalised keychain bearing their name.
MIRACLE technology for ACL reconstruction
Bertram Rieger, orthopaedic specialist for the Swiss women’s national football team, explains how MIRACLE technology is already improving medical care. In a short talk, he explains why ACL injuries are up to eight times more prevalent in women’s football than in men’s (anatomical and hormonal differences are currently considered potential causes). He then demonstrates how ACL operations are planned and carried out.
He emphasises that the VR techniques developed in the MIRACLE project are already extremely valuable for determining where to drill the tunnels and place the screws. “These methods are highly effective in preventing unpleasant surprises during an intervention.” In addition to pre-op applications, he hopes VR technology will soon be available for use during operations, too—to enable precise placement of the drill tunnels, for example. Daniela Vavrecka-Sidler points out that the DBE researchers are currently working on solutions for such applications.
Doctors are interested
Constanze Pfeiffer, MIRACLE II project coordinator, organised the event at Theatre Square and says she’s very pleased with the results. An article in the local press prior to the event was an effective way of reaching a broad audience, she explains, also noting that the three-day event attracted many doctors who naturally have a strong interest in the new technologies.
Another person to seize the opportunity to test MIRACLE’s technology is Hubert Keiber, Chair of the WSS Foundation Board. After his attempt at a virtual operation, he jokes that he wouldn’t have made much of a surgeon. But in all seriousness, he adds: “It’s fantastic when scientists come down from the ivory tower and show people what they do and why their work is important.”
