Research & Publications
Advancing healthcare through multidisciplinary research
At CASIT, we lead multidisciplinary research initiatives that bring together experts from across UCLA departments, including Surgery, Urology, Pathology, Bioengineering, Electrical Engineering, and Radiological Sciences.
Our goal is to advance healthcare technology and improve clinical outcomes by developing innovative interventional devices, diagnostic techniques, and surgical simulators. We actively seek industry partnerships to explore new research avenues and drive transformative solutions.
Active research projects
- Magnetic resonance – Ultrasound Fusion Guided Prostate Biopsy: We are evaluating novel MRI techniques and ultrasound-MRI fusion biopsies using the Artemis device to enhance the accuracy of prostate cancer diagnosis and improve treatment outcomes.
- High Resolution Ultrasound for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
- Dynamic Optical Contrast Imaging
- Focal Laser Ablation of Prostate Cancer: We are evaluating focal laser ablation (FLA) as a minimally invasive treatment for prostate cancer, leveraging precise hyperthermic energy to target and eliminate cancerous lesions while minimizing side effects compared to traditional therapies.
- Automated Tissue Characterization During Robotic Surgery
- Haptic Feedback in Robotic Surgery
- Transoral Robotic Surgery Training Platform
Previous research highlights
- Bariatric Clinical Research: Weekly research meetings analyzed outcomes from a bariatric and laparoscopic surgical database, resulting in numerous presentations, publications, and prospective clinical trials to improve surgical outcomes and patient care.
- Tactile Feedback for Prostheses and Sensory Neuropathy: A haptic feedback system used pneumatically driven balloon actuators to improve gait and balance for lower-limb amputees and patients with sensory neuropathy by translating plantar pressure into tactile feedback.
- Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Transcranial Neuromodulation: Non-invasive treatment of epilepsy and seizures utilized ultrasound waves to manipulate neurons and their neurotransmitters.
- Vibroacoustography for Head and Neck Cancer Margin Detection: Vibroacoustography employed ultrasound waves to induce mechanical forces on tissue, enabling the assessment of tissue characteristics and improving tumor margin detection during cancer surgery.
- Reflective Terahertz Medical Imaging Systems: A reflective Terahertz imaging system was developed to explore medical applications by leveraging THz radiation's sensitivity to water content, demonstrating promising results in soft tissue imaging and enhancing signal-to-noise ratio, sensitivity, and resolution.
- Flexible 3D Ultrasound Technology for Diagnosis of Injuries and Intra-operative Guidance: Flexible conformable ultrasound arrays enabled high-resolution volumetric imaging of fractures, shrapnel, wound tracts, and soft tissue injuries, offering portability, low power consumption, and ease of use in field and battlefield settings.
- Motion Scaling: Stereoscopic technology improved robotic precision laparoscopy, providing significant advantages in tasks requiring precise structural orientation compared to vision alone.
- Surgical Simulations Involving Elastic Cardiac Geometries: A framework for fluid-structure interaction in cardiac simulations enhanced patient-specific surgical planning for procedures like Tetralogy of Fallot treatment and mitral valve repair.
- Ultrasound-Guided Procedural Training: A computer-based platform for ultrasound-guided procedural training improved skill acquisition through text, audio, video, 3D modeling, and force feedback, minimizing risks of iatrogenic injury.
- Laser-Generated Shockwaves for Treatment of Infected Wounds: CASIT and Eisenhower Medical Center evaluated critical communication and control factors for remote surgery and interventional procedures, using the Laparobot to study latency, quality-of-service, and user skill levels via telemedical links.
- Rapid Transition Polymer for Temporary Vascular Occlusion During Segmental Liver Resection: A novel technique using Rapid Transition Polymers™ achieved bloodless liver resection by providing temporary vascular occlusion, reducing bleeding and ischemic injury while improving safety and efficacy in minimally invasive and open surgeries.
- Developing and Testing Thin Film Nitinol Low-Profile Devices for Vascular Repair: A novel ultra-low profile vascular repair device utilizing thin film Nitinol was developed to prevent excessive hemorrhaging in trauma cases, offering enhanced biocompatibility, reduced catheter size, and improved functionality for battlefield and emergency applications.
- MEMS Sensors for In-vivo Patient Monitoring: A minimally invasive implantable sensor network enabled continuous real-time monitoring of vital signs, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, and advancing interventions for conditions like ureteropelvic obstruction.
- Haptic-Guided Telementoring Systems: A haptic guidance system for surgical training and telementoring combined real-time videoconferencing with remote-controlled laparoscopic instruments, allowing novice surgeons to receive expert guidance in remote and battlefield locations.
- Novel Telepresence Application Using Robotic Wireless System: A software application provided remote wireless access to comprehensive medical data in real time, integrating high-speed networks with the InTouch robot for virtual physician presence in hospitals, emergency rooms, and battlefields.
Collaborate with CASIT
CASIT’s commitment to advancing healthcare through multidisciplinary research has yielded groundbreaking innovations that improve patient care and surgical practices. Our collaborative approach with industry partners allows us to explore new frontiers in surgical technology. Partner with CASIT to drive innovation and bring your research ideas to life.