Medical Device Research Institute (MDRI) - Flinders … · Medical Device Research Institute (MDRI) ... but rather outline some of the ... Medical Device Research Institute

iMedical Device Research Institute

Medical Device Research Institute (MDRI)

inspiring achievement

Message from the Director 01

About the MDRI 02

MDRI Administration Team 03

International Research Collaborations 04

Areas of Research Expertise 06

Assistive Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering 08

Biomechanics and Implants 10

Computational Biomechanics 12

Devices, Sensors & Signals 14

Health Informatics 17

Medical Image Analysis 18

Medical Simulation 20

MDRI Members Working In Health Sciences 22

MDRI Facilities 23

Medical Device Partnering Program 24

MDRI Training Opportunities 26

Other Initiatives 27

Member Awards 28

Some Event Highlights 30

Future Developments for MDRI – Tonsley 2015 31

Table of contents

01Medical Device Research Institute

Message from the Director

With the ageing demographic and increasing expectations of quality of life, the demand for medical devices and assistive technologies continues to grow steadily in Australia and across the world. To support this growing industry, high quality, clinically relevant research is crucial. The Medical Device Research Institute (MDRI) at Flinders University has an established and proven track record of relevant medical device research.

Successful medical device innovation requires collaboration across the diverse disciplines of engineering, medicine and science. The MDRI supports and facilitates cross-disciplinary collaboration with a specific agenda to work closely with the medical device industry. With dedicated programs such as the Medical Device Partnering Program (MDPP), the Institute has formal avenues and successful models for collaborating with industry partners to ensure our research and expertise remain relevant and accessible.

This research brochure aims to provide a ‘snap shot’ of research activity. It is not our intention to provide a comprehensive listing of all the research occurring within the Institute, but rather outline some of the capabilities from within the group.

I encourage you to work collaboratively with our researchers, to challenge and learn from each other in an effort to improve the health sector in Australia and abroad.

Professor Karen Reynolds is Matthew Flinders Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Flinders University and Director of the MDRI. Karen is also Chair of the College of Biomedical Engineers within Engineers Australia and Chair of the Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering’s Health Technology Forum. Karen has been recognised for her outstanding contributions, named South Australian Scientist of the Year in 2012 and Australian Professional Engineer of the Year in 2010. In 2013 and 2012, Karen was listed in the ‘Top 100 Most Influential Engineers in Australia’ by Engineers Australia, and in 2011 was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE).

02 Medical Device Research Institute

About the MDRI The Medical Device Research Institute (MDRI) is committed to producing high quality research, encouraging the development of our early career researchers and providing a nurturing environment for our higher degree research students.

Our vision is to be the Australian leader in medical device research and development.

The Institute’s collaborative approach allows for the development and delivery of innovative solutions and services. The Institute encourages projects that have a common focus on delivering benefits through the application of various technologies to the medical and allied health sectors.

Capability within the Institute extends across a varied and cross-disciplinary network to facilitate the development of high technology medical devices using a team-based approach. Expertise includes engineering, computer science, mathematics, chemistry, psychology, physiotherapy, nursing, occupational therapy, aged care, medical and surgical expertise amongst others.

Located in close vicinity to Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders Private Hospital and the Repatriation General Hospital, we have close connections with our clinical community.

The Institute is also home to the award-winning Medical Device Partnering Program (MDPP) which responds to industry driven research problems and connects ideas to develop medical device solutions.

The aims and objectives of the Institute are:

1. To build critical mass of high quality research staff in relevant cross-disciplinary fields including: Engineering, Mathematics, ICT, Chemistry, Biology, Health Sciences and Psychology.

2. To encourage research in relevant areas of national priority, and act as a catalyst and broker to identify and create opportunities for researchers and for Flinders.

3. To increase collaborations both within the university and with external partners from other research institutions, government, industry and the wider community at the local, national and international level.

4. To develop a research culture that is positive towards commercialisation, and to facilitate commercialisation of medical devices and technologies.

5. To be recognised as Australia’s first choice University for industry-relevant training.

6. To increase the number of higher degree students and post-doctoral researchers, and provide a supportive and encouraging environment for their career development.

Institute CommitteeThe MDRI Institute Committee provides a broad steering function, discusses organisational activities and identifies opportunities in accordance with the objectives of MDRI. The Institute Committee oversees three taskforces to help deliver its objectives.

Greenhouse Taskforce (GHT) – assists the Institute in achieving its objectives by developing and implementing targeted strategies to nurture and provide a supportive environment for students and early career researchers (ECR) within the Institute.

Critical Mass Taskforce (CMT) – tasked with the development of specific and targeted strategies to increase the critical mass of relevant research within the MDRI.

Infrastructure Taskforce – involved in the development of specific and targeted strategies to increase the research infrastructure and major equipment within the MDRI.

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MDRI Administration TeamDirector – Professor Karen Reynolds

As Director of the MDRI, Karen is motivated by her passion to make

a practical difference, using science and engineering to bridge the gap between patient’s needs and clinical knowledge. Karen is also Director, Medical Device Partnering Program (MDPP) and Deputy Dean, School of Computer Science, Engineering & Mathematics.

Deputy Director – Professor Mark Taylor

Professor Mark Taylor has over 20 years in experience in orthopaedic

biomechanics and has spent time in both academia and industry. Prior to joining the MDRI Mark was based in the University of Southampton, UK where he was responsible for the formation and growth of the Bioengineering Sciences Research Group. His main area of expertise is using computational modelling to assess the performance of total joint replacements.

Institute Manager – Ms Carmela Sergi

A registered Trade Mark Attorney, Carmela has over 15 years experience as a business

manager with skills in intellectual property management and commercialising medical research. She holds an Honours degree in Biotechnology, in addition to Intellectual Property Law and Business Administration qualifications. Carmela also assists in delivery of the MDPP.

Marketing Manager – Ms Kelly Knight

Kelly holds a business double degree in marketing and management, with experience in

event coordination, marketing, business administration and project management. During 2011 Kelly worked closely with the Adelaide Thinkers in Residence in her role as Project Catalyst for Prof Göran Roos’ residency - Manufacturing into the future. Kelly also assists in the delivery of the MDPP.

Administrative Officer – Ms Debbie Cocks

Debbie was appointed in September 2012 as Administration Officer for the MDRI

and MDPP. Debbie assists the team with administration activities, such as data entry, meeting organisation, event organisation and project tasks.

MDPP Team

MDPP Innovations Manager – Ms Aisha Sirop

Aisha joined the MDPP team in 2013. She was previously the Commercial Development Director with Flinders Partners, the commercialisation arm of Flinders University.

Senior Research Associate – Dr Aaron Mohtar

Aaron holds a PhD in Electronics Engineering and has a strong interest in the application of electronics in biomedical devices and instrumentation. More broadly, his interests include electronic circuits, intelligent robotic control via microcontrollers and the application of microelectronic circuitry in biomedical devices.

Senior Research Associate – Dr Emily O’Brien

With a PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Emily has an interest in medical implants that provide solutions to a range of medical conditions including blindness, breast cancer and osteoporosis. She has a particular interest in the interface between the body and implants and how medical implants can best be incorporated into this dynamic environment.

Research Associate – Ms Laura Diment

Laura holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical, 1st class honours). Her role incorporates developing and testing new medical devices. Laura has also been involved in teaching biomechanics, biomedical instrumentation, engineering design, professional engineering skills and analog electronics in the School of Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics.

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International Research Collaborations

The University of Bologna, Italy

In 2013, the MDRI received a $50,000 State Government grant to develop a collaboration with the University of Bologna to study the movement and forces within the joint following a knee replacement. Led by MDRI Director Professor Karen Reynolds, the two groups are working together to test the stability and force of novel knee prostheses developed by an orthopaedic manufacturing company in Bologna.

The MDRI has collaborations with research institutions from all across the world. Here are just a sample of our research collaborations in more detail.

Central South University (CSU), Changsha, China

In 2013, Flinders University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CSU. This relationship enables MDRI members to work on projects supporting health and medical research, with the possibility of establishing a joint laboratory focusing on clinical research. There is also a separate collaboration/agreement with Hunan University in Supercomputing with a focus on simulation and learning systems, and involving both student and staff exchange.

Medical Device Research Institute

Psychophysics and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory (UBC Vancouver), Canada

MDRI members from the Brain Signals Laboratory have strong collaborations with Dr Lawrence Ward from UBC Vancouver (international expert on neural synchronisation and connectivity using EEG). In 2013, Dr Sean Fitzgibbon (MDRI member) spent five weeks at UBC, where he applied the analytical approaches from Dr Ward’s laboratory to EEG data that had previously been collected in the Brain Signals Laboratory at Flinders University.

The University of Denver, USA

MDRI actively collaborate with Professor Paul Rullkoetter, Associate Professor Peter Laz and Dr Clare FitzPatrick at the Centre for Orthopaedic Biomechanics, University of Denver, US. Joint projects have focused on the development of computational modelling tools to assess the behavior of total joint replacements.

University of Iowa, USA

Flinders has a long-standing relationship with the University of Iowa, having sent 15 students there for biomedical engineering work experience placements, with some completing PhDs. A current Flinders PhD student, Maged Awadalla is based at the University of Iowa and co-supervised between the two institutions. The aim of Maged’s PhD thesis is to develop a 3D computational fluid dynamics model that predicts airflow and particle distribution, deposition and clearance within the airways and lungs affected by Cystic Fibrosis.

The University of Delaware, USA

Dr Costi has been successful in an application for the DVC-R’s Visiting International Research Fellowship to host Professor Dawn Elliott, who is one of the world’s leading researchers in multiscale disc tissue biomechanics. Together with Dr Costi’s disc mechanics expertise, they will conduct research to develop new multiscale structure-function models of the disc that will provide information that is critical toward designing new therapies to repair/regenerate the disc. Mechanical engineering senior from University of Delaware, Ms Dhara Amin is currently with the MDRI on a Whitaker International Fellowship, working with Dr Costi on lumbar spine research.

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Assistive Technology and Rehabilitation EngineeringThe development of technologies and rehabilitation devices to assist people with physical and cognitive disabilities, or social disadvantage

Research Contact: [email protected]

Biomechanics and ImplantsBasic and applied research in the broad field of joints, soft tissues, bones and implants


Computational BiomechanicsComputational assessment of the performance of bone structures and orthopaedic devices such as hip and knee replacements


Devices, Sensors and SignalsThe research and development of instruments, software, and systems for understanding, diagnosing, treating and monitoring medical conditions


Areas of Research Expertise


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Health InformaticsThe effective use of information and discovery of knowledge in health including electronic medical records, health information retrieval and medical data mining


Medical Image AnalysisInvestigation into ways to improve our current understanding of medical imaging to better diagnose, understand and treat various disease states


Medical SimulationThe development of simulators as tools for teaching routine and complex medical and surgical skills.



Assistive Technology and Rehabilitation EngineeringThe assistive technology and rehabilitation engineering group develops technologies to assist people with physical and cognitive disabilities, or social disadvantage. The development of assistive technologies can promote greater independence in the community, by offering alternative or improved tools and systems.

Our research applications are diverse and complex – ranging from traditional assistive technologies to virtual reality assistive applications.

Research Spotlight Dr Lynley Bradnam’s research involves understanding neuroplastic changes in the human brain following musculoskeletal and neurological disorders. Her research investigates how the brain adapts and responds to therapy in a range of conditions, including stroke, dystonia, lower limb amputations and shoulder pain. Using non-invasive brain stimulation to enhance neuroplasticity, the project tests the impact on neuromuscular function. This research includes investigations into the function of the cerebellum in dystonia and after stroke and the role of the cerebellum in selective cognitive tasks. As part of the project, the team are running a randomised, sham-controlled trial to test the use of non-invasive stimulation of the cerebellum as a therapy for cervical dystonia.

Dr Lynley Bradnam in the Applied Brain Research Laboratory.

Examples of current research:

• An accessible ‘serious gaming’ system for children with Cerebral Palsy 1

(see opposite page).

• Independent social skills learning in children with autism. 2

• Investigating the effectiveness of assistive and mainstream technologies such as iPads and tablet technologies as communication and social networking tools to enhance the social participation of adolescents and adults with lifelong disabilities.3

• Combining assistive devices and brain stimulation in rehabilitation.4

• Promoting brain plasticity with non-invasive brain stimulation in stroke and movement disorders. 5

• Investigating the effects of neuromuscular and/or transcranial brain stimulation techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or transcranial direct current simulation (tDCS) on swallowing motor networks and their potential to optimise swallowing rehabilitation outcomes in basic and clinical settings. 6

• The development of a Kinect-based virtual art program that enables children with severe impairments to create art. 7

• With assistance and feedback from the Royal Society for the Blind, this project involved the design, prototype and evaluation of a new device that can attach to a traditional walking cane and detect high obstacles. 8

‘Orby’ – CP games controller with example of video game in background

1 D.Hobbs2 M Milne

3 P Raghavendra4 L Bradnam

5 L Bradnam6 S Doeltgen

7 L Diment8 K Reynolds

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Assistive Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering

“Did you feel that?” Using haptic gaming to provide children with cerebral palsy with a tactile experience.

Cerebral Palsy is a physical disability that affects movement and posture. It is the most common physical disability in childhood with 17 million people with cerebral palsy worldwide. 1 in 500 Australian babies is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and there is no known cure.

Depending on their diagnosis, most children with cerebral palsy will undergo extensive rehabilitation throughout their lifetime. Most children also have difficulty detecting and sensing touch with their hands. Although there is a great deal of literature surrounding the prevalence of impaired tactile sensory function, limited if no research has been carried out to determine whether or not tactile sensory function can be improved through training.

PhD Candidate, David Hobbs’ research involves developing a custom-made interactive, engaging and accessible haptic serious gaming system for the purposes of providing tactile sensory training via controlled and integrated vibration feedback to the player’s hands.

“My PhD is focused on developing a novel intervention to improve tactile sensory perception in the hands of children with cerebral palsy”

Community Engagement SpotlightRetrofitted electronic aids

Funded by SA Health’s Office for the Ageing, this project demonstrated that a range of readily available electronic and electro-mechanical products can be fitted to an existing house or dwelling for less than $10,000.

Working closely with local resident Rosalie (who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1994), MDRI electronic engineers made it possible for Rosalie to undertake a number of activities that she previously needed a carer to assist her with, allowing her to gain greater independence and control over her own life.

Technologies can be applied to a range of settings, from the homes of people with disabilities to the residences of the ageing population wishing to remain in their own homes for longer.

Smart living apartments

Based on expert advice by Flinders University, eight ‘smart living’ apartments featuring cutting-edge assistive technologies have been purpose built in the North Western suburbs of Adelaide, for those living with disabilities.

The apartments are a major step forward in maximising people’s choices and control over their own lives, providing cost benefits and an enhanced quality of life.

MDRI takes on role in World CP Day

As an official participating organisation in World CP Day, the MDRI encourage students to take on the task of developing solutions that address user-driven ideas. This provides a good opportunity for the students to use their knowledge and skills to make a difference for members of the community.

For further information about Assistive Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering research with the MDRI, contact

[email protected]

Assistive Technology and

Rehabilitation Engineering


Biomechanics and Implants

The Biomechanics and Implants group includes basic and applied research in the broad field of joints, soft tissues, bones and implants. The group studies the material behaviour of normal and degenerated soft tissues, bones and ligaments at the nano- micro- and macro-scopic levels, using computational and mathematical modelling and experimental validation.

Recent research projects include;

• Computer modelling and experimental validation of osteoporotic/fragile bone mechanical properties at the microscale and design of an improved screw for osteoporotic fracture fixation. 1

• Measurement of internal disc tissue strains during complex repetitive spinal movements, to identify which repetitive motions place lumbar discs at greatest risk of injury. 2

• Realistically simulating the six degree of freedom in-vivo knee loading conditions after measuring knee motion in a kinematic movement analysis system.3

• The relationship between screw pullout strength, insertion torque and osteoporotic bone microarchitectural properties. 4

• Replication of hand kinematics to measure wrist bone movements after measuring hand motion in a movement analysis system.5

• Development of six degree of freedom mechanical testing methods for assessing the primary stability of cementless tibial trays. 6

• Assessment of fracture repair strategies for critical segmental long bone defects. 7

• Development of constitutive models of the intervertebral disc at both the macro-and micro-scopic scales. 8

The Biomechanics and Implants group is supported by state-of-the-art equipment such as the award-winning, Six Degree of Freedom Hexapod Robot. The Hexapod Robot allows us to simulate measured three-dimensional joint motions that lead to a variety of applications including: mapping the mechanical behaviour of normal tissues; comparing healthy with diseased tissue; and understanding how joints function.

The Hexapod is capable of measuring specimen displacements to less than one-tenth the width of a strand of human hair with a width of 100 microns. For more information about the Hexapod Robot and other biomechanical testing facilities, refer to page 23.

International Researcher SpotlightMs Dhara Amin: University of Delaware, USA – Whitaker International Fellow

Ms Dhara Amin joined the MDRI in 2013, on a Whitaker International Fellowship. Working with MDRI biomechanics expert, Dr John Costi, Dhara’s project focuses on identifying repetitive motions that place lumbar discs at greatest risk of injury. Using the award winning Six Degree of Freedom Hexapod Robot, Dhara is simulating various motion and load conditions such as forward, backward and side bending.

A wire grid will be embedded into the discs prior to simulation to measure the 3D tissues strains using stereoradiography for further analysis. The findings will improve understanding of the lumbar spine and potentially result in new and improved strategies to prevent back pain and injury.

Ms Dhara Amin with the Hexapod Robot

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PhD Research Spotlights

Relationships between in vivo knee joint loads and tibial subchondral bone microarchitecture in end stage knee osteoarthritis.PhD Candidate: Bryant Roberts

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease of the synovial joints that affects over 150 million people worldwide.

Resulting from the complex interaction of genetic, biochemical and mechanical factors, progression of OA is characterised by damage to the joint tissues including cartilage loss and subchondral bone alterations. These changes to joint tissues

can result in abnormal joint loading. The aim of this PhD research is to explore, on patients with end-stage knee OA, scheduled for total knee arthroplasty, the relationship between the in vivo knee joint loads measured during walking, and the variations in subchondral bone microarchitecture measured in the proximal tibia.

This project, a collaboration between the MDRI Flinders University and the University of South Australia, and supported by Arthritis Australia (Grant in Aid 2013, Perilli E.), will be the first of its type to use a novel combination of 3D gait analysis, musculoskeletal modelling and micro-CT imaging to explore the relationship between measures of knee joint loads and subchondral bone microarchitecture, on the same patient. This combination of techniques aims at identifying mechanical

3D reconstruction of the proximal tibia obtained from micro-CT

Multi-scale mechanical investigations of the human intervertebral disc.PhD Candidate: Diana Pham

Low-back pain is a common and often painful condition. One possible cause of this condition is intervertebral disc degeneration, which is the focus of this PhD research.

This project investigates what happens inside the disc when degeneration arises. In particular, this project focuses on collagen

type I, a fibrous protein that constitutes a large percentage of the disc. Using a number of mechanical testing devices, including atomic force microscopy, the elasticity of collagen fibre bundles (at the microscale) and collagen fibrils (at the nanoscale) is measured to see how healthy and degenerate discs compare at these hierarchical levels.

This information may shed some light upon the origins of disc degeneration, and ultimately lead to more effective methods of diagnosis and treatment.

For further information about Biomechanics and Implants research with the MDRI, contact

[email protected]

interaction between the two measures and helping better describe the role of these factors in osteoarthritis.

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Computational BiomechanicsThe Computational Biomechanics research group combine biological data with computer software to construct a variety of biomedical models to simulate behaviours. The models can then be used to more accurately design and test new implants, therapies, and clinical procedures.

The group within MDRI have a strong focus on biomechanics, drawing on the expertise from within the biomechanics and implants research group. With expertise across micro-CT, mechanical testing and finite element analysis the group offer an integrated approach to in vitro studies.

Research Spotlight

Hip and knee replacements are becoming increasingly common in the ageing world, yet most artificial implants have a limited lifespan due to gradual wear and tear.

Understanding why some joint implants fail and others are successful is the key research focus of the MDRI’s Strategic Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Mark Taylor (pictured), who joined Flinders University in 2012 from the University of Southampton in the UK.

Computational modelling is used to assess the performance of new and existing designs for hip and knee replacements in a bid to reduce the risk of future failures.

“On the whole joint replacements are pretty good, they have about 90-95 per cent survivorship at 10 years but that does mean that approximately 8,000 joints fail each year in Australia and need to be revised,” Professor Taylor said.

“Unfortunately, we do get designs that have a 10 per cent failure rate at five years, so there is a real need to screen out those poor designs before they get to clinical practice”.

Professor Taylor said the key to his research was to understand how the forces were transferred from the artificial implant to the supporting bone.

“Unlike a car, which is regularly serviced, an artificial hip or knee joint is expected to take millions of steps every year without any form of maintenance.

“So what we’re trying to understand is how the forces are transferred from the artificial joint to the supporting bone in order to try and predict the lifetime of implants in this demanding environment”.

Professor Taylor’s main area of expertise is using computational modelling to assess the performance of total joint replacements, with the majority of his work focusing on developing tools to help assess the performance of existing and new designs of hip and knee replacements. In particular, he develops methods for assessing the influence of patient and surgical variability.

More recently, he has begun to explore using these tools for surgeon training and potentially for decision support to help plan joint replacement operations. In addition, he is interested in exploring how pain and function is affected by joint replacement.


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Investigating bone screw fixation

NHMRC funded research project (K Reynolds)

Bone screws are one of the most common orthopaedic devices, used for the attachment of implants to bone, for bone to bone fixation or for soft tissue fixation or anchorage.

In the clinical setting, surgeons will manually tighten screws until they subjectively feel that adequate purchase has been obtained. There is no quantitative feedback during placement and the stopping point purely relies on the surgeon’s experience.

In low density bone, attempting to tighten to close to stripping torque can result in stripping of the threads during insertion, and may place fracture fixations at risk of premature failure. Even when a screw is recognised as having been stripped, few options exist for remedying the situation.

The purpose of this research is to investigate the stresses induced in the peri-implant bone during screw tightening, using a combination of image guided failure assessment and micro-finite element analysis.

Virtual testing of orthopaedic devices

ARC Linkage funded project (M Taylor)

Virtual Testing of orthopaedic devices as part of the design and development process: strategies to account for patient and surgical variability.

Novel computational tools are being developed to help account for patients and surgical variability in the design of orthopaedic implants, such as hip and knee replacements and spinal products. These tools will reduce the time, give greater insight in implant performance and ultimately lead to safer implants with improved longevity.

Other projects include:

• Modelling of structure and changes of structure in cancellous bone. 1

• Computational modelling of the nerve endings at the knee joint, with the aim to represent proprioception and pain at the knee. 2

• Understanding micro-biomechanics of bone structure utilising finite element analysis techniques. 3

• A design of experiments approach to conducting sensitivity analyses in finite element modelling. 4

• Use of statistical modelling to improve the prediction of femoral fracture risk from DEXA images. 5

Researcher Profile

Dr Saulo Martelli is a post-doctoral fellow at the MDRI, Flinders University. He received a MS in Mechanical Engineering (2003) and PhD in Biomechanical Engineering (2008), both from the University of Bologna. Before joining the MDRI, he conducted his post-doctoral fellowship at the Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli (2008-2011, Italy), and at the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Melbourne (2011-2013). He is an honorary member of the North West Academic Centre of the University of Melbourne and of the Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS). He is a member of the European Mechanics Society (EUROMECH) and of the Australian & New Zealand Orthopaedic Society (ANZORS).

Dr Martelli’s research aims at using computational models to describe human musculoskeletal mechanics during motion with focus on models of the bone structure from clinical images, of hip replacements, of physical activities, and of muscle and joint forces under optimal and sub-optimal neuromotor conditions.

He has been a co-researcher in EU-funded projects (www.nmsphysiome.eu, www.vphop.eu, www.livinghuman.org) and he is principal investigator on a Discovery Early Career Research Award (DE140101530) from the Australian Research Council.

For further information about Biomedical Computational Modelling research with the MDRI, contact

[email protected] 1 M Bottema2 M Taylor

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Devices, Sensors and Signals

This research area is concerned with the research and development of instruments, software and systems for understanding, diagnosing, treating and monitoring medical conditions.

Projects within the Devices, Sensors and Signals research group are extremely diverse, but with a common focus on delivering benefits through the application of various technologies to the medical discipline. Each research project aims to solve problems identified by end users such as health professionals, hospital groups and patient groups and relies heavily on close input from other research areas within the MDRI.

Well known signals include electrocardiograms (ECG) to measure the activity of the heart and electroencephalograms (EEG) to record brain activity, but modern techniques allow measurements of a wide variety of properties (for example, of the skin, blood, and endocrine system), to provide more complete information.

Selected current research projects include:

• A new versatile hand grip dynamometer – a revolutionary instrument to accurately measure hand grip and pinch forces over a wide population, including those with hand deformities and low strength. 1

• Mandibular advancement splint efficacy and compliance monitor – to provide clinical information on the use and success of these devices 2

• An adaptive orthopaedic screwdriver responsive to varying bone quality to prevent over tightening in osteoporotic bone. 3

• Objective assessment of tissue changes in the lead up to, progression of and the effects of treatment on lymphoedemas and related tissue swellings. 4

• A study into neonatal thermoregulation and indirect calorimetry using non-invasive thermal imaging techniques to study neonatal thermoregulation on full-term and pre-term babies. 5

• EEG for Epilepsy – this work involves the development of algorithms and software for analysis of EEG with the aim to learn the mechanisms of epileptogenesis, and seek clinical benefits in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. 6

• Enhanced brain and muscle signal separation verified by electrical scalp recordings from paralysed awake humans. This project involves the development of algorithms to separate brain signals from muscle signals in electrical recordings from the scalp. Clearer brain signal measurement enables improvements in understanding how the brain works, the diagnosis and management of neurological diseases, and the development of brain-controlled devices. 7

• Mechanisms, consequences and improved diagnostic and treatment approaches for breathing and other disorders in sleep 8

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Neonatal thermal image of a normothermic baby




Pre-prototype developed by MDPP

Industry Engagement: Re-timer GlassesCircadian rhythms are fluctuations in biological processes occurring on a 24 hour basis. Researchers measure the circadian rhythms of body temperature, melatonin and sleepiness of humans in carefully controlled laboratory conditions in order to investigate the relationship between these rhythms and sleep. It appears that certain types of sleep disorders may be caused by delays or advances in the timing of the circadian rhythms and therefore may be treated with manipulations to normalise the timing of the rhythms. One such treatment is the exposure to bright light in the evening for those who have early morning awakening insomnia. Evening light treatment delays circadian rhythms and lengthens sleep. The opposite treatment of early morning bright light is an effective treatment in cases of sleep onset insomnia and delayed sleep phase disorder. Re-timer glasses (pictured) are now commercially available from Re-timer.com and are being used for the treatment of a variety of insomnias, winter depression, jet-lag, and shift work disorder.

Medical Device Partnering Program Impact

Moving from prototype to production can be a long and expensive exercise, particularly in the medical device industry. But with the right expertise on side, this process can be made easier. The Medical Device Partnering Program (MDPP) helped Re-Time Pty Ltd overcome this barrier, with a low cost market entry product that utilised existing safety glasses, incorporating new electronics.

The MDPP project included the design and production of low-cost prototype bright-light therapy glasses for use in the treatment of insomnia and the identification of a prospective commercial partner (SMR Automotive Australia Pty Ltd). As a result, the product is now manufactured in South Australia and sold worldwide.

Research Spotlight: Connectivity of Brain FunctionMany psychiatric and psychological diseases do not have a clear anatomical pathology. In these cases, the pathology must be in the way brain regions function or interact rather than in structure. The field of functional

For further information about Devices, Sensors and Signals research with the MDRI, contact

[email protected]

connectivity describes the connections of brain networks in terms of their function. A deeper component of connectivity is ‘effective’ connectivity, in which a directed or causal relationship between brain regions is examined. Connectivity of brain function is an emerging field with many competing technologies and currently there is no standardised approach.

The aim of Dr Sean Fitzgibbon’s postdoctoral research is to evaluate algorithms for functional/effective connectivity analysis of brain function combining electroencephalographic (EEG) data and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and to evaluate their resilience to contamination.

Dr Sean Fitzgibbon is a Vice-Chancellors Postdoctoral Research Fellow.


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Devices, Sensors and SignalsResearch Spotlight: Phil DinningAssociate Professor Phil Dinning. Senior Medical Scientist. Flinders Medical Centre

Despite its size and physiological importance, the human colon is one of the least understood organs of the body. The conspicuous lack of understanding about its day-to-day functioning is particularly evident in our ignorance of how it fills and empties its content. Many disorders arise from suspected abnormalities in colonic contractions yet, due largely to technical constraints, investigation of human colonic motor function still remains relatively primitive. In the past, there have been many attempts to characterise disorders of colonic motility. Overall, these have been highly productive, but have been limited by an incomplete understanding of what is normal. This has led many of them to be incomplete, inconclusive or contradictory.

To gain insight into the complexities of human colonic motility we have assembled a research team at Flinders University and Flinders Medical Centre that includes basic and clinical scientists, colorectal surgeons & gastroenterologists. This team in collaboration with fibre-optic scientists (CSIRO; Sydney), bioengineers (Auckland) and computational modellers (CSIRO; Melbourne) have developed a range of tools and analytical techniques designed specifically to record and interpret gut contractility.

Our overall aim is to characterise all motor patterns along the entire human colon and identify the mechanisms underlying them.

In 2011, Phil Dinning and John Arkwright were awarded a Eureka Prize for “Innovative Use of Technology”, by the Australian Museum, in recognition of the development and clinical use of the fibre-optic high-resolution catheter.

X-ray image of a fibre-optic high-resolution manometry catheter recording colonic contractions in a healthy human colon.

Member Spotlights

Prof John Arkwright (Strategic Research Professor, Chair of Biomedical Engineering)

Prof John Arkwright has extensive experience in the design, prototyping and manufacture of passive optical components. He has worked on devices for telecommunications, pipeline sensing, and clinical applications including a novel photonic pressure sensor for in-vivo diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorders. In 2011, Prof Arkwright and his colleague A/Prof Phil Dinning (Flinders Medical Centre)

were awarded an ANSTO Eureka Prize for the “Innovative Use of Technology” for the design and clinical application of this device. The device is now being prepared for Regulatory Approval in Europe.

One of our newest members, John joined Flinders University in April 2014. Prior to this, John was with the CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering for 11 years and is an Honorary Professor at the ANU College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences.

A/Prof Peter Catcheside

Associate Professor Peter Catcheside heads physiology research at the Adelaide Institute for Sleep as an ARC Future Fellow in the Department of Medicine at Flinders University. His main research interests are in respiratory / sleep physiology with a particular focus on investigating mechanisms, consequences and improved diagnostic and treatment approaches for breathing and other disorders in sleep.

For further information about Devices, Sensors and Signals research with the MDRI, contact

[email protected]


Health Informatics

For further information about Health Informatics research with the MDRI, contact

[email protected]

Health Inform

atics

Health Informatics is concerned with the effective use of information and discovery of knowledge in health. The area includes electronic medical records, health information retrieval, medical data mining and knowledge discovery, and ontology development and use in health domains. It is also concerned with proper security for medical data.

Proper management of medical data can:

• Provide medical practitioners with accurate and timely information

• Provide fact-based assistance in diagnosis

• Help to keep medical data secure; and

• Enable organisations to run effective and efficient hospitals and medical practices.

The Health Informatics group uses techniques and tools from other areas and applies them in a medical context.

Examples of current PhD projects in health informatics include;

• Modelling the threat of avian influenza endemic in developing countries. 1

• Development of an intelligent software system for malaria diagnosis. 2

Spotlight: ARC Discovery GrantAn ARC Discovery Grant was awarded to MDRI member, A/ Prof Murk Bottema, together with Prof Paul Arbon from Flinders University in 2013. The grant is providing prospective analysis of data to develop a non-linear predictive model of patient volumes in hospitals during crisis response. Whilst a predictive model constructed through linear modelling has been widely used in this context, it is thought that using non-linear modelling may provide more accurate patient predictive models, given patient presentations are non-linear in character.

Spotlight: Industry CollaborationBackground

A healthcare software company interested in the area of infection control, approached Flinders University, via the Medical Device Partnering Program (MDPP) for some product development assistance.

Problem

Whilst it is well known that hand hygiene is central to infection control, existing hand hygiene compliance data was limited and collected manually.

Project proposal

The project proposal was to work with the company and a local hospital to (a) design and construct a set of ten loggers fitted to gel dispensing mounting brackets and (b) pilot the use of the loggers in a ward of the local hospital for a period of one month.

Outcomes

Over the course of the project twelve Gel Station Loggers were designed, manufactured and trialled. Plans were established for future collaboration between the company and Flinders University.

Next Steps

Flinders University researcher, Professor John Roddick, together with the company, was awarded an ARC Linkage Grant worth $163,000 for a continuation project titled, ‘Techniques for active conceptual modelling and guided data mining for rapid knowledge discovery’.

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Med

ical

Imag

e A

naly

sis

Medical Image AnalysisThe Medical Image Analysis group uses images to gain a better understanding of the living human body, to better diagnose diseases, to allow for better intervention, and better monitoring of disease state of the effect of treatment.

Image data includes X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, position emission tomography (PET) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ordinary visual images, and a variety or multidimensional data arrays that blur the boundary between images and signals.

(a)

(b)

Figure 1: An example of CT segmentation. (a) The original image (b) Image segmented using Statistical Region Merging method.

(a) The mass area annotated by an expert (b) The segmented mammogram showing the mass area.

Examples of current projects in the Medical Image Analysis group include;

Exploring super-pixel tessellation for medical image segmentation

Segmentation of digital images is a technique underpinning large number of image analysis methods. In medical applications such as cancer detection on mammograms or analysis of computer-tomography (CT/PET-CT) images, the task of segmenting images into meaningful regions is particularly difficult due to a number of factors. In this project we propose a new paradigm for texture analysis on a large amount of data based on super-pixel tessellation. 1

Construction of human voxel models for radiation dose calculation

The dose of radiation received by children from CT examinations is not known to an acceptable degree of accuracy. The vast majority of exposure to man-made radiation comes from diagnostic medicine, with over 50% of the population dose coming from CT examinations. To optimise patient dose with the use of appropriate scanner settings, clinical staff need accurate dose information to allow comparison with national and international standards. This is currently impossible due to the limited number of accurate paediatric patient dose models and the complexity of dose calculation. In this project, we are developing a computerised semantic image segmentation method for the segmentation of a number of radio-sensitive anatomical organs/tissues in paediatric CT images. Based on the segmentation, appropriate algorithms will be developed to facilitate the construction of voxel models of child anatomy for the calculation of absorbed dose in paediatric CT examinations. 2


Medical Im

age Analysis

Medical Image AnalysisOther project examples within the Medical Image Analysis group include;

• Early detection of breast cancer – Computer programs are being developed to assist radiologists in interpreting screening mammograms with the objective of detecting breast cancer sooner, and hence, reduce the morbidity and mortality due to this disease. 3

• 2D & 3D quantitative imaging of bone and biomaterials combined with biomechanical testing; main investigations in osteoporosis and osteoarthritis research. 4

• Using biomedical imaging techniques; in vitro & in vivo micro-CT, CT, DXA on human bone and animal models. 5

• Automatic segmentation of full body CT scans 6 ; organ annotation. 7

Dr Gobert Lee

Dr Lee received her Ph.D. degree from Flinders University, Adelaide in 2004. She was a JSPS post-doctoral fellow at the Gifu University, Japan 2004-2006 and a Research Associate at Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University 2006-2008. She joined Flinders University in 2009 and is currently a lecturer in the School of Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics and member of the Medical Device Research Institute. Her research interests include computer-

Dr Egon Perilli

Dr Egon Perilli is Senior Research Fellow in Biomedical Engineering. Previously (2008-2011) he was a Research Fellow at the Bone & Joint Research Laboratory, SA Pathology, Adelaide. Dr Perilli was awarded a MSc in Physics (2001, University of Bologna, Italy) and a PhD in Bioengineering (2006) undertaking his research at the Rizzoli Orthopaedics Institute, Bologna, using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) combined with mechanical testing on bone and biomaterials. He moved to Belgium (2007-2008) as a Post-Doc Researcher at a micro-CT manufacturer (SkyScan, Belgium), in collaboration with the University of Antwerp, Belgium, before moving to Adelaide.

Dr Perilli’s research is in quantitative imaging of bone structures combined with biomechanical testing, in osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. This involves diverse imaging techniques, in particular micro-CT imaging on human bone ex vivo and animal models in vivo.

Researcher profiles

aided-diagnosis (CAD), medical image analysis, statistical pattern recognition and statistical issues related to radiologic studies. More specifically, her research focuses on CAD on breast cancer detection in screening mammograms, whole-body CT segmentation, computational human anatomy, and construction of human voxel models for radiation dose calculation and medical interventions.

This technique is used for determining bone microarchitecture and density. The mechanical strength is determined via experimental testing, for investigating the relationships between bone structure and mechanical properties, enabling also biomechanical simulations (finite element analysis).

In early 2014, Dr Perilli was awarded a Catalyst Research Grant from the South Australian Government for his project “Combining knowledge in joint function and 3D microstructure: towards more advanced knee implants”. Dr Perilli’s project seeks to develop innovative methods of detecting early onset of osteoarthritis to prolong the life of the affected joint, before and after surgical treatment. If successful, it has the potential to lead to increasingly targeted and successful treatments and custom-designed orthopaedic implants

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3M Bottema4E Perilli

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For further information about Medical Image Analysis research with the MDRI, contact

[email protected]


Med

ical

Sim

ulat

ion

Medical SimulationThe Medical Simulation research group develops simulators for teaching routine and complex medical and surgical skills. The group develops simulation solutions that are practical and realistic, drawing on expertise from a wide range of disciplines including computer science, electronics, mechanical engineering and clinical specialities.

The group builds physical and virtual simulators for high-risk, unusual or difficult procedures that medical practitioners rarely experience in training, using technologies from the fields of Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, 3D Visualisation, Haptics (precise force feedback that enables users to feel virtual objects), and GPU-boosted Physical Simulation.

PhD Project Spotlight

AbSIM: A clinical educational tool for training students in abdominal palpation.

L.M. Burrow

Abdominal palpation involves the examination of a patient’s abdomen by pressing down on the abdomen to feel for signs of tenderness, injury or illness. It is an important part of routine physical examinations and helps inform the clinician so they can provide an initial diagnosis, and therefore appropriate treatment. Whilst a relatively simple technique, abdominal palpation is an important procedure that if not performed correctly, or interpreted correctly, can result in disastrous outcomes. The procedure requires tactile sensitivity when applying pressure to the abdomen and can be difficult to teach and assess, resulting in significant variation between medical examiners.

To assist in the education, training and assessment of abdominal palpation techniques, a custom-developed palpation-training simulator (AbSIM) has been created. Based on a model of an “average” male, the AbSIM can measure the location and magnitude of applied force and uses an interface and custom software for PC to record and display the simulated session.

Data from a trial of AbSIM by medical students and graduates, indicated that the simulator was well received as a viable educational tool for clinical training of the abdominal palpation technique. Feedback from users involved in the trial is being utilised for further refinement of the simulator tool.

Project spotlight: Motivational Interviewing Skills Training with Virtual Patients A Schoo, D Powers, R Leibbrandt, M Leurssen et al.

This project involves the development of an elementary simulation computer program that allows students in Health Sciences to develop and practice Motivational Interviewing (MI) skills. Training modules will be based on core areas of concern for Chronic and Complex Disease Self-Management (CCSM) such as physical activity and nutrition adherence, and substance misuse. During training, participants in the MI sessions will engage with an animated human being, equipped with speech capabilities, that plays the role of a virtual patient. This format is based on successful face-to-face training programs. As the simulation progresses, participants will be exposed to different decision making points that will allow them to test, reflect on and apply their MI skills, and that facilitate different patient/client outcomes. The software provides feedback on interviewing success and allows the student to replay interviews to test the effects of different interactions.


Medical Sim

ulation

Medical Simulation

Spotlight: Collaborating with our clinical colleaguesDue to recent advances in computer graphics and force-feedback (haptic) technology, it is now possible to simulate a wide range of surgical procedures or scenarios so that patients do not suffer complications as a result of a surgeon’s learning curve. Working with clinical colleagues such as Professor Simon Carney (Professor of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Southern ENT), MDRI researchers have developed a number of virtual reality simulators.

Virtual Reality Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Simulator

(K Reynolds, AS Carney, G Ruthenbeck, et al.)

This research project aims to develop a realistic computer based training tool for practising endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) within a risk free environment that improves learning outcomes.

Using advanced computational techniques and adaptive animation to model tissue response in real-time, and haptic interfaces to provide force feedback to the user, we are able to simulate tissue deformation, cutting and ablation.

For simulation to be effective, the models must look, feel and interact realistically. Realistic modelling for the simulation goes beyond visual fidelity. The structures of the patient must interact realistically with the endoscope and sinus surgery. Realistic interaction relies on realistic tissue modelling and correct handling of the forces of interaction between adjacent structures.

The realistic rendering effects developed for the simulator. Left: HD video. Right: simulated.

A surgeon practices ESS using the simulator

Using CT scans of patients’ sinuses, accurate 3-dimensional models combined with advanced rendering effects provide the visual environment experiences during surgery.

A range of common surgical instrument models have also been developed that enable the user to use the instruments within the virtual scene as they would during surgery. Sophisticated tissue simulation techniques that are capable of simulating deformable tissues that can be cut and resected in real time have been developed and are being integrated into the simulator.

[This project was funded by the Garnett Passe and Rodney Williams Memorial Foundation]

PhD Project Spotlight

Hapteo: Sharing Visual-Haptic Experiences from Virtual Environments

(Y. Yan)

Haptics refers to a tactile feedback technology with which users are able to touch and feel objects in virtual environments. For over two decades, haptics has provided people with new computer interaction styles across a range of applications. However, the haptic experience relies heavily on the computer hardware that is running the virtual environment software, and unlike audio and video media, it is difficult to share the haptic sensation. Within this project a new system called Haptic Video, or Hapteo for short, is introduced for recording and replaying visual-haptic information easily without relying on any specific virtual environment software and computer hardware.

The system meets the need for a simpler method for sharing haptic recordings from virtual simulations. It also creates new opportunities for simplified haptic virtual reality training from recordings, just as videos can be used to facilitate learning.

For further information about Medical Simulation research with the MDRI, contact

[email protected]


MDRI Members Working in Health SciencesThe below profiles represent a sample of MDRI members who work in health sciences.

Professor Graeme Young is an eminent gastroenterologist and scientist specialising in gastrointestinal health. He currently leads several active research teams addressing:

1. colorectal cancer screening (screening implementation research and development of new blood-based methylated-DNA markers for use in screening)

2. dietary regulation of molecular biological events relevant to cancer in the colon,

3. new strategies for treatment of diarrhoea in developing countries: dietary regulation of colonic epithelial biology relevant to fluid and electrolyte salvage in the colon and new approaches to improving zinc homeostasis.

Graeme was awarded South Australia’s Scientist of the Year in 2013.

Professor Simon Carney is a consultant and Professor of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery at Flinders University. Simon is the President of

the Australia & New Zealand Rhinologic Society and Associate Editor, American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy. He has a special interest in Head & Neck Surgery, Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, Pediatric ENT, and snoring and sleep apnoea.

Simon has played a significant role in the development of some of the MDRI’s medical training simulations, providing valuable clinical input.

Professor Neil Piller is a Lymphologist and Director of the Lymphoedema Research Unit in the Department of Surgery, School of Medicine at Flinders

University. He is a Director of the International Lymphoedema Framework, an executive member of the International Society for Lymphology, a member of the Editorial Boards of the “Journal of Lymphoedema” (UK), “Phlebology” (USA) and “Lymphology” (USA) and Australasian Editor or the Journal of Lymphatic research and Biology (USA).

His research interests involve the objective assessment of tissue changes in the lead up to, progression of and effects of treatment on lymphoedemas and related tissue swellings.

Neil received the Established Research Presentation Award at the World Association Laser Therapy congress in 2012 and named a fellow of Australian College of Phlebology in 2011.

Dr Olivia Lockwood (nee Pallotta) is the Manager of the Statewide Research and Teaching for SA Biomedical Engineering. She completed her PhD in 2010 entitled, ‘A passive fracture

assessment system for fractures fixed with intramedullary nail fixation’. Olivia has been working Biomedical Engineering field for last 12 years where she has been involved in managing, researching and designing novel medical electronic equipment for researches and staff in the hospital and Flinders University School of Medicine. While the nature of the job makes her research experience varied one of the main areas of her research over the years in this position has been in the tools for Lymphoedema management tools.

Dr Anne-Louise Smith In 2012, Anne-Louise returned to her original field of hospital-based clinical engineering after almost 10 years completing a PhD part-time

(Can morphine-induced loss of airway tone be predicted with very short-term heart rate variability?) whilst managing the Research & Development area in Biomedical Engineering (BME), Flinders Medical Centre, delving into biomedical engineering research applications.

Biomedical Engineering in South Australia was recently made into a Statewide function. Her new role is managing the biomedical engineering services in the Central Area Local Health Network, with 30 staff based at Royal Adelaide Hospital and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital. This role is very challenging keeping up with the many changes occurring at CALHN: new executive team, new clinical directorate structure, moving toward multiple-site single-service efficiencies; and at Statewide Biomedical Engineering: being part of a team making decisions taken for all biomedical services across the state. The most exciting part for Anne-Louise is being part of the huge team planning for the nRAH with BME working toward equipping the new hospital for its opening in April 2016.


MDRI FacilitiesThe Medical Device Research Institute (MDRI) has a number of resources available to members and the general public on a fee for service basis.

• 3D Printing and 3D Rapid Prototyping (additive manufacturing)

• Biomechanical Materials Testing Laboratory

• Flinders Microscopy

• Mechanical and electronic expertise and facilities

• Design and prototyping capabilities.

Biomechanics Materials Testing Laboratory The Biomechanical Materials Testing Laboratory at Flinders University specialises in testing a vast range of material properties of simple and complex structures, joints and tissues in normal and pathological conditions, prostheses, orthopaedic and surgical devices.

These capabilities provide a range of applications to assist industry and researchers from materials characterisation and prototype testing to design and manufacture.

The Biomechanical Materials Testing Laboratory is a unique facility which uses the following specialist testing systems:

• CellScale BioTester (biaxial micro-mechanical testing)

• Hexapod Robot (six degree of freedom testing)

• Instron Servohydraulic materials testing system (single axis)

Brain Signals LaboratoryThe Brain Signals Laboratory (BSL) began as the EEG Research Unit in 2003 with funding from the Wellcome Trust. The BSL is equipped for

high-resolution EEG research (256-channel passive EEG system, 96-channel active EEG system, Faraday cage, computerised stimulus presentation system synchronised to the EEG, subject preparation and cleaning facilities). The lab also has equipment for overnight ambulatory recording, a portable 64-channel clinical EEG system, and several consumer-grade gaming EEG headsets. It is equipped with significant computing resources and has a suite of custom and commercial software for EEG analysis. The BSL is a collaboration of researchers from across the University (Neuroscience, Medicine, Computer Science and Engineering, and Psychology) who each provide specialist support. The BSL is part of the Centre for Neuroscience and Medical Device Research Institute.

Facility Spotlight: Six Degree of Freedom Hexapod Robot

The Hexapod robot is a state of the art six degree of freedom testing system capable of producing either single-axis, or multi-axis (e.g. bending + shear + rotation) displacements or rotations to any material, joint, implant or surgical device.

Examples are spine segment testing, small joint testing (e.g. wrist, finger, ankle and elbow) and even larger joints such as complex knee, hip and shoulder joint loading under restricted, yet functional ranges of motion.

Relative motion can also be measured between implants and bone at the micrometer resolution level – to less than one-tenth the width of a strand of human hair, having a width of 100 microns.


The Medical Device Partnering Program (MDPP) was established to help overcome some of the barriers that can occur when researchers and industry try to collaborate.

The MDPP provides a unique model for collaboration between researchers, end-users and industry to develop cutting-edge medical devices and assistive technologies that solve real problems.

This award-winning Program:

• Brings together a network of stakeholders in the medical device development process, providing support for industry growth;

• Facilitates new, targeted partnerships between research organisations, end-users and companies;

• Provides a non-competitive environment for research collaboration across research institutions; and

• Provides practical assistance in taking ideas closer to the market.

The MDPP is more than just a grant scheme, collaboration program and networking vehicle. It provides more than just technical, business and commercial advice.

The MDPP works with inventors, researchers, clinical experts, manufacturers and device companies at all stages of the product development lifecycle. For example, we can work at the very early stages of ideas, sometimes even before a prototype has been developed, right through to established products in development new applications.

ImpactSince its launch in 2008, the MDPP has been approached by more than 230 companies or inventors for assistance with the development of medical devices. MDPP has assisted over 140 of these, with 19 new prototype medical devices designed, developed and constructed; 26 proof-of-concept / validation studies undertaken; 34 companies provided with expert technical consultation and advice; 37 companies provided with input from end-users or market advice; and 54 introductions made for product commercialisation.

As a result of this new and innovative science and industry focussed program:

• companies have benefited from new collaborative relationships that optimise future opportunities and reduce risks inherent in the research and development process;

• researchers have benefited from engagement in innovative, state-of-the-art projects, enhanced relationships with industry partners and end-users, and better funding prospects;

• collaboration has increased between research institutions and across disciplines;

• companies have worked together, sharing expertise, information and equipment;

• end-users have benefited from working with research and commercial partners to provide solutions to identified problems and needs; and

• the community has been engaged through targeted focus groups providing feedback on ideas.

“The MDPP is possibly the best model for fostering University - industry collaboration that I have encountered in an Australian University.”Dr Steven Farrugia, Vice President Technology, Resmed Ltd

Professor Karen Reynolds with Associate Professor Peter Marshall (Director of Neonatal and Perinatal Medicine, FMC).

Connecting Ideas. Developing Solutions. Improving Lives


MDPP Project Spotlight

Shopping Simulator

The Shopping Simulator, a virtual reality system to enable occupational therapists to better assess stroke victims was developed in collaboration with the Department of Rehabilitation and Aged Care, Repatriation General Hospital. The simulator was developed in response to requests from hospital clinicians, who needed a tool to be able to assess patient’s cognitive capabilities, rather than basing assessment on opinion. The Shopping Simulator is a diagnostic resource that evaluates the cognitive capabilities of patients undergoing stroke rehabilitation for self-care.

During rehabilitation post-stroke, patients need to be able to show that they have the cognitive ability to undertake everyday tasks such as grocery shopping. Previously, occupational therapists have had to physically take patients to a shopping centre to undertake this assessment.

Now using the Shopping Simulator, patients are able to move through a virtual supermarket to select groceries and add them to a trolley, to demonstrate whether they are able to make logical decisions.

MDPP Director, Professor Karen Reynolds said, “our simulation software recreates the grocery shopping experience with the aid of a simple touch-screen computer and a ‘trolley handle’”.

“The level of complexity can be adjusted by occupational therapists who can specify certain groceries or set a shopping budget to ascertain the cognitive ability of each patient,” she said.

Associate Professor Craig Whitehead, Regional Clinical Director for Rehabilitation and Aged Care in the Southern Adelaide Health Service, said “clinicians need to know what people are capable of, rather than just have an opinion of what they are capable of. The Shopping Simulator is an effective and efficient way of testing a stroke patient’s alertness, ability to scan both sides of the environment and logical processing”.

“Particularly for older people and people with disability, technological interfaces such as the Shopping Simulator represent the brave new frontier for clinical medicine.”

Other MDPP project examples• Independent validation of the benefits

of an innovative hospital bed mover for StaminaLift. They were able to use the results of the trial to validate their products’ efficacy, which is now selling successfully into overseas markets (UK, Europe, Middle East and Canada).

• Post-operative rehabilitation device – transportable device that can be used in the homes of patients who have undergone lower limb surgery or who have an injury to this area of their body. The MDPP project involved the development of instrumentation for the current Maxm Skate prototype that will enable movement measurement whilst wearing the device. The device shows the progress of rehabilitation exercises by measuring the patient’s range of movement.

L-R: Inventor of the post-operative rehabilitation device and orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Matthew Liptak, pictured with MDPP Research Associate, Dr Aaron Mohtar.

Connecting Ideas. Developing Solutions. Improving Lives


MDRI Training Opportunities

Since taking its inaugural students into biomedical engineering in 1993, the Biomedical Engineering (BME) teaching team at Flinders University have striven to best equip each graduate for her or his professional working life. The Biomedical Engineering (BME) degree at Flinders University is the innovative ground breaker in Australia; it was the first of its kind, arising through the desire of the foundation professor (Andrew Downing) to go MAD - Make a Difference to the world. Flinders University staff are passionate about their teaching and inspiring students to actively gain knowledge of the skills that will assist then in their future careers.

In 2011, four of our biomedical engineering teaching team (Karen Reynolds, Kenneth Pope, Sherry Randhawa and David Hobbs) were awarded an Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) Citation ‘for teaching, supporting and inspiring students to learn, innovate and succeed as professional biomedical engineers’.

Courses in Biomedical EngineeringCourses in biomedical engineering contain study in fundamental science and engineering topics including digital and analog electronics, materials, computer programming, mathematics and human physiology and then build on this base with topics dealing with a variety of areas including biomechanics, biomedical instrumentation, further medical science topics and biomedical materials. The courses also include a major biomedical research project.

Biomedical courses generally focus on a specific area. For example, undergraduate degrees have two sequences that allow students to specialise in an area of interest

• Electronics-focussed (that adds additional electronics material to the degree) and

• Biomechanics (that adds an emphasis on biomechanical systems).

All undergraduate students undertake Flinders’ nationally recognised 20-week industry placement that provide students with structured industry work experience with one of 100 local, national and international organisations. Students gain specialist knowledge in key areas, graduating with a proven on-the-job performance.

Undergraduate Courses

• Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical)

• Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical) combined degrees (including with Bachelor of Medical Science)

• Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical) / Master of Engineering (Biomedical)

• Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) / Master of Engineering (Biomedical)

The University also offers a specialisation in Biomedical Engineering in the Bachelor of Engineering Technology and the Bachelor of Engineering Science. The Bachelor of Engineering Science degree provides a pathway into the undergraduate degrees for applicants without the necessary prerequisites.

Postgraduate Courses

• Master of Engineering (Biomedical)

• Master of Engineering [by research]

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

MDRI Summer Scholarships

MDRI sponsored summer scholarships are available between November and March.

For more information about any of the above training opportunities, contact [email protected]


Other initiatives

Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Alertness, Safety and Productivity MDRI researchers are playing an integral role in the new $14.5 million sleep research consortium aimed at reducing impaired alertness and increasing the safety, productivity and health of all Australians.

The Cooperative Research Centre for Alertness, Safety and Productivity – a partnership between Monash, Sydney and Flinders Universities – is developing a range of innovative strategies to reduce fatigue, resulting in fewer injuries, enhanced workplace performance and improved quality of life. Flinders University’s Prof Doug McEvoy is the CRC theme leader for ‘Personalised sleep health management’ and Prof Karen Reynolds is the theme leader for ‘Technologies for detecting and predicting alertness.

These new products and services, including an alertness “breathalyser” and individualised programs for better sleep health, are aimed at improving alertness and performance in the workplace, at home and in day-to-day life.

Launched in February 2014, a key focus of the new Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), funded through the Federal Government, includes an extensive education and training program supporting an average of 12 PhD students and 15 postdoctoral research fellows each year over the seven-year program.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) - Hills Ltd In February 2014, Flinders University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with manufacturer Hills Ltd that will give the University an active collaborative role in two new Centres (the Lance Hill Design Centre and the Digital Research Commercialisation Centre). The two new Centres have a focus on developments in sensors, monitoring and non-clinical devices, tying closely to the MDRI’s expertise in these areas.

Creating opportunities for co-operative projects between Flinders and Hills, the engagement with Hills is yet another strand in Flinders’ contribution to creating smart, high-tech industries in South Australia that will provide the jobs of the future.


Member AwardsBelow is a snapshot of some awards that MDRI members have received over the past 5 years.

John Costi and Richard Stanley receiving the Malcolm Kinnaird Engineering Excellence Award from Duncan Kinnaird (centre) on behalf of the Hexapod Robot team

Professor Graeme Young

L:R Kenneth Pope, Sherry Randhawa, Karen Reynolds and David Hobbs

2013• Graeme Young was awarded South Australian Scientist of the Year.

• Karen Reynolds was named in the Top 100 Most Influential Engineers in Australia (2013 & 2012).

• Silver award for the Orby Controller (David Hobbs with Max Hughes), Design Institute of Australia (DIA) SA Awards Night.

• Nominated by her industry peers, Karen Reynolds was a finalist in the Medical Technology Association of Australia’s (MTAA) Outstanding Achievement Award.

• Laura Diment (student) received 2nd Runner Up in the International Convention on Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology’s 2013 Student Design Challenge for her Kinect Virtual Art Program.

2012• Karen Reynolds was awarded South Australian Scientist of the Year.

• Six Degree of Freedom Hexapod Robot (Costi JJ, Cazzolato BS, Stanley RM, Ding B) was awarded the Malcolm Kinnaird Engineering Excellence Award and Innovation, Research and Development Engineering Excellence Award Engineers Australia, South Australia Division.

• Paul Gardner-Stephen, David Hobbs and Simon Williams were each finalists in the Science Excellence Awards SA, Early Career STEM Educator of the Year, Tertiary Teaching.

• David Hobbs received 1st Prize and Pammi Raghavendra received 2nd Prize, The Soft Technology Award, awarded by the Australian Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Association (ARATA) for ‘developments, improvements and innovations in service delivery to Assistive Technology users’.

2011• Phil Dinning and John Arkwright received the Eureka Prize

“Innovative Use of Technology”; Australian Museum. Awarded in recognition of the development and clinical use of a fibre-optic high-resolution catheter.

• Four members of the Flinders biomedical engineering teaching team, Karen Reynolds, Kenneth Pope, Sherry Randhawa and David Hobbs were awarded an Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) Citation for ‘for teaching, supporting and inspiring students to learn, innovate and succeed as professional biomedical engineers’. A ‘heart of biomedical engineering’ was later awarded in recognition of this achievement at the Flinders University Biomedical Engineering 20th Anniversary Alumni Dinner.


Member Awards

Professor Karen Reynolds with Her Excellency the Governor General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC.

Professor Graeme Young

Mr David Hobbs, 3MT winner

2011 (continued)• Cyle Sprick (and other team members) was awarded an

Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) Citation for ‘team pioneered, high-fidelity patient simulation in basic medical education to teach emergency care of the very sick in both metropolitan and regional settings’.

• Neil Piller was awarded a Gold Medal for Advancement of Lymphoedema research: Australasian college of Phlebology, Melbourne.

• David Hobbs was the 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) winner, Flinders University, and received a Commendation at the 2011 Australasian 3MT National Finals in Perth, WA.

• Karen Reynolds was elected Fellow of the Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering.

• The Medical Device Partnering Program (MDPP) was awarded Outstanding Achievement in Collaboration in Research and Development in the prestigious annual Business/Higher Education Round Table (B-HERT) Awards.

2010• The MDPP was a finalist in Excellence in Research Collaboration in

the SA Science Excellence Awards.

• Karen Reynolds named Australian Professional Engineer of the Year at the Engineering Excellence Awards in Canberra.

• The MDPP was awarded the Technology Industry Association Service to the Electronics and/or ICT Industry Excellence Award.

• Neil Piller was awarded the International Lymphoedema Framework Award for Lymphoedema research, London.

2009• Graeme Young was awarded the Distinguished Research Prize

of the Gastroenterological Society of Australia at its 50th Anniversary Celebrations in Sydney. Also, he was elected a Fellow of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGAF).


Some Event Highlights

Alumni DinnerFlinders University celebrated 20 years of teaching biomedical engineering at Flinders University and 15 years of biomedical engineering graduates at a black tie dinner on Friday 7 December 2012 at the Hilton Adelaide.

Involving 100 biomedical engineering alumni, staff and guests, the Flinders University Biomedical Engineering Alumni Dinner featured Rachael Leahcar (singer and songwriter who stared on The Voice) and guest speakers Katrina Webb and Scott Reardon, Paralympic medallists.

OzCHI ConferenceThe 25th Annual Conference OzCHI 2013 was held in Adelaide from 25-29 November 2013 at Flinders University City Campus (Victoria Square). OzCHI is Australia’s leading forum for all work in the areas of Computer-Human Interaction. Sponsored by the MDRI, the theme of the event was, “Augmentation, Application, Innovation, Collaboration”, reflecting a variety of technical and social challenges in the design and deployment of human-centred computer applications through augmenting daily lives with innovative interaction and collaboration technologies.

MDRI Research ShowcaseOn Tuesday 10 December 2013, the MDRI held an MDRI Research Showcase event for attendees to learn about some of the leading research within the Institute.

Attracting over 100 people from industry, research and government departments, the event involved key note speaker Mr Gary Mitchell (Vice President Australia, DePuy Synthes), who spoke about the “Challenges of bringing orthopaedic devices to Australia”, providing a fantastic opportunity for the audience to hear from a successful, global medical device company, who specialise in orthopaedic and neurological care.

The Showcase event also included interactive displays and short presentations from some lead researchers from across the MDRI, as well as the opportunity to hear about the Medical Device Partnering Program.

2014 International orthopaedics workshopHosted by the Medical Device Research Institute (MDRI) through a $20,000 State Government grant, the two-day workshop on May 7 and 8 will bring together leading researchers, clinicians and industry representatives from Austria, the UK, Italy, the Netherlands and Australia.

International, interstate and local leaders from the orthopaedics field will converge on Flinders University Victoria Square to explore new ways to screen out poorly designed orthopaedic devices, including hip and knee replacements.

This interactive workshop will review the current techniques used to assess joint implants and define priority areas for enhanced testing of new devices in the future.


Future Developments for MDRI – Tonsley 2015

In 2015, the Medical Device Research Institute (MDRI) will be moving to a new building at Tonsley, 2km north of the Bedford Park campus. Flinders at Tonsley will provide a state-of-the-art, six storey, 16,000 square metre facility and will be the new home of the Medical Device Research Institute, the Medical Device Partnering Program, the School of Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics and Flinders Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology. The building will also house the University’s New Venture Institute which will focus and intensify Flinders’ entrepreneurial activities and education to the mutual benefit of business and community partners.

This $120 million investment in Tonsley will cement Flinders’ role as a major contributor to the economic and social development of the southern part of Adelaide. It will enable the University to deliver high quality teaching, drive innovative research, establish business collaborations and share knowledge, aligned with the SA Government’s high-value manufacturing vision and activities on site.

Tonsley will be a launchpad for new business; creating skilled jobs and a platform for partnerships, in an effort to build a knowledge-based future. Working within this cluster will enable the State’s research and development efforts to be industry-led and focussed in areas of end-user priority.

Collaboration and entrepreneurship will be at the heart of the University’s activities at Tonsley. The MDRI has always sought to work collaboratively with research partners and industry, and Tonsley will provide an ideal situation to take this collaboration to the next level.

Operating within a community involving medical device companies, manufacturing industry, and service providers who can contribute research and development, will create valuable opportunities for the Institute.

Construction is underway for the facility (the image above is an artist’s impression of the building) which will house about 2000 students and 150 staff. Further expansion on the site, including possible student accommodation, will be considered as Flinders continues to grow over the next 20 years.

The campus is located next to both rail and bus routes and will be linked to the main campus and Flinders Medical Centre by a frequent bus service.

Fast Facts• Cost: $120,000,000

• Floor area: 16,000sqm over 6 levels (each level equivalent to half a soccer pitch)

• Total staff: 150 over six disciplines

• Research higher degree students: 170

• Honours students: 150

• Undergraduate students (< year 4): 700

• Specialised laboratories: 35

• Conference facilities and meeting rooms

• Teaching space: 2,000 sqm, including:

o Main lecture theatre (160 seat)

o Teletheatre (80 seat – 24x7 to Bedford Park)

o Electronics teaching labs (3 x 24 seat NI Labs)

o Collaborative teaching spaces (10 x 30 seat AV enabled)

o Advanced Collaborative Environment Room


Notes



For further enquiries

Medical Device Research Institute

Flinders University

Telephone: + 61 8 8201 2901

Fax: +61 8 8201 2904

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.flinders.edu.au/mdri

The information contained in this brochure is correct at time of printing: March 2014

CRICOS No. 00114A

Watch the MDRI video to find out more http://youtu.be/mSfd9pAy0WA

LinkedIn - Search for “Flinders Medical Device Research Institute”

http://blogs.flinders.edu.au/mdri-news/

http://www.youtube.com/user/FlindersUniversity

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