Engineering technologies underpin the development of most healthcare therapies and interventions. There is an extraordinary breadth and depth of research into this at UCL ranging from regenerative therapies and tissue engineering to simulations that help clinicians prepare for surgical procedures or predict the efficacy of drug delivery.
Our researchers are working at the forefront of advances in surgical intervention, using the latest in medical imaging and augmented reality to help surgeons plan their route pre-surgery and guide them during procedures. Nano-engineers are creating miniaturised imaging and sensing devices capable of fitting on the tip of a needle, and experts in robotics are developing flexible surgical robots able to steady motion and ensure micro-precise manipulation of tissue.
The case-studies below offer a glimpse of the healthcare engineering research activity within therapies and interventions at UCL. If you would like your research project to be featured here, please email healthcare-eng@ucl.ac.uk.
Shedding light on liver surgery with photoacoustics
Photoacoustic imaging technique could improve the efficacy of keyhole liver cancer surgery.
Personalised models of the arterial and venous system
Personalised simulations and experiments allow vascular surgeons decide the best treatment for aortic dissections.
Augmented reality could improve risk avoidance during surgery
A computer vision algorithm can improve surgeon’s vision during keyhole cancer surgery.
Regenerative medicine could save 30 children a year at GOSH
Using stem cells, the groundbreaking treatments include oesophageal and bladder regeneration.
Encouraging better use of antibiotics in Nigeria
A mobile app is helping Nigeria doctors make the best prescription decision.
A retrievable aortic valve replacement could improve patient safety
UCL researchers have made a new aortic valve replacement for patients who can't undergo open-heart surgery.
A community-led intervention for undernutrition
UCL researchers worked with Indian colleagues to develop a culturally-appropriate intervention for child malnutrition.
