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Project reference

2024_P32_Bergeles_Neji

Start date

10/1/24

First Academic supervisor

Prof Christos Bergeles

Second Academic supervisor

Dr Radhouene Neji

Third Academic supervisor

Prof Sebastien Ourselin

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MRI compatible everting robot for therapy delivery in the brain ventricles

The project aspires to radically improve the treatment of neurological disorders by providing innovative means of localised delivery of therapeutics (compounds, cells) to hard-to-reach regions of the Central Nervous System (CNS) that are currently not accessible by interventional approaches. We will develop and demonstrate for the first time a minimally-invasive robotic platform that will provide clinically innovative access to deep brain regions via the Ventricular System (VS). Specifically, a miniature soft steerable robot, driven by biomimetic apical extension methods, will safely navigate through the spinal subarachnoid space under MRI guidance and reach target locations in brain ventricles, where it will be able to deliver a therapeutic payload. Long-term, we aim to revolutionise the localised delivery of therapeutics to specific deep brain regions to redefine the clinical practice across a broad range of neurological disorders, against which current treatments are inadequate or non-existing. By bypassing inefficiencies of current drug delivery practices, this project will enable optimal dosing at specific brain regions while minimising side effects.