Programs - Research

There exist a large range of research opportunities in the laboratory. Preliminary discussions have already secured the collaboration and activity of the following research programs.

Physicial Examination Model Development and Assessment

Dr. Carla Pugh will continue her research in the center relevant to simulator development, learning transfer, and performance evaluation. The physical examination models, which currently simulate and assess the accuracy of examinations of the breast, pelvis and prostate, will be expanded to other anatomical areas and administered to various levels of trainees, from novice to expert. The Feinberg School of Medicine has recently committed to using these simulators as part of the medical school curriculum through the Clinical education Center in Olson Pavilion.

N.O.T.E.S. (Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery

Drs. Soper and Hungness are continuing the advances in research on the field of transgastic (via the esophagus into the stomach, and into the abdomen), and transrectal (via the rectum out through the colon, into the abdomen) approaches in minimally invasive surgery. It is believed that these approaches will further improve patient outcomes. Therefore, it is important to assure the feasibility of performing these procedures and train surgeons in these approaches as the FDA approval of natural orifice surgeries on human patient is planned.

Basic Science Research

Dr. Michael West will use the laboratory for basic science research relevant to the effects of CO2 pneumoperitoneum on the host response to abdominal surgery. Drs. West and Soper recently submitted a grant proposal to the National Institutes of Health for this research.

Motor skill learning and evaluation; in collaboration with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

Dr. Fernando Mussa-Ivaldi, Ph.D. and coworkers will perform research involving sensory-motor training of arm and hand movements resulting in facile and efficient MIS operations.

Error Avoidance and Management

Another primary avenue for research is the field of error avoidance and management (examples: perception and identification of error; how an organization can support learning from errors; use of pre-briefing, debriefing, video, and assessment in error training; new tools for debriefing between instructor and trainee to replay and discuss errors; how to teach error anticipation, recognition, and response; how to avoid bad habit chains that may end with serious errors; impact of various instructional strategies on error reduction). Specific projects will be solicited from Northwestern University Department of Public Health and Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Instrument Development

In collaboration with the Northwestern University Engineering Department, as well as industry sponsors, the development of new and innovative surgical tools and equipment, surgical robots and virtual reality simulators. Both Matthew Glucksberg, Ph.D., Chairman of Bioengineering, and J. Edward Colgate, Ph.D., from Mechanical Engineering and the Laboratory for Intelligent Mechanical Systems group, have agreed to participate in instrument design and contribute personnel (graduate students) towards this effort.

Orthopedics Research

The Orthopedics Department performs research involving anatomical dissection, innovations in techniques of surgical reconstruction, and development of instrumentation for advances in MIS. This includes cartilage transplantation, MIS joint replacement, knee ligament reconstruction, and shoulder reconstruction. The faculty would have an expanded ability to continue award-winning research into shoulder rotator cuff repair and artificial cartilage.

Research Fellowship in MIS

The research fellow is a mid-level resident or will have completed a General Surgery Residency. The fellowship will be either 1 or 2 years. The program will provide an individual with guidance and the resources to develop independent investigational projects evaluating treatment modalities in minimally invasive surgery. Furthermore, the program will assist an individual in procuring extramural funding in the area of minimally invasive surgery. The research fellow will be expected to initiate and complete a basic science project and/or clinical project with faculty. The fellow will be expected to submit abstracts for presentation such as a paper or poster at national meetings and also to write and submit papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals independently or in collaboration with faculty members. The research fellow will also participate as an instructor or lecturer in laparoscopic training courses in animal models. The fellow will participate in instruction of basic laparoscopic techniques to surgical residents and in the instruction of surgeons within the community who desire practical experience within the animal laboratory facilities. This program will provide the highest level of guidance and resources to foster the advancement of technology in minimally invasive surgery research and development.