neuroArm
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Undergraduate research gone neuro
“That robot” is none other than Dr. Garnette Sutherland’s neuroArm, the world’s first image-guided MR-compatible surgical robot, which aims to revolutionize neurosurgery and other branches of operative medicine by liberating surgeons from the constraints of the human hand. The first successful operation took place in the spring of 2008 (www.ucalgary.ca/news/may2008/neuroArm). “neuroArm is a really exciting project,” said Motkoski whose research was supported thanks to an Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE) award and the Markin Undergraduate Student Research Program (USRP). “I have learned that it is very important for engineers to talk to physicians in order to make the clinical introduction of new technology as seamless as possible.” The manuscript Motkoski helped prepare is a first to publish studies of neuroArm’s surgical performance. This summer Motkoski is working on integrating laser technology with neuroArm. “We begin to cultivate the leaders of tomorrow by exposing undergraduates to what they really want to do,” said Sutherland, labeling all undergraduates he has worked with as enthusiastic and eager to learn. “It is very important for undergraduates to be exposed to potential research projects that may form their future.” According to Sutherland, lasers once were used in neurosurgery, but were abandoned because of their size and doctor’s inability to hold them steady. If neuroArm can use lasers, it would—once again—revolutionize neurosurgery. “Undergraduate research is a great way to learn,” said Motkoski, who has been researching in U of C labs for longer than he’s been a student. “Lectures contain lots of information, but research allows me to question things, find answers on my own, and have a lot of fun.” After graduating in 2010, Motkoski hopes to attend medical school, so that one day he might be able to apply engineering technology of his own to medicine.
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August 25, 2009
