HATI: Haptic Angiography Training Interface

Open Human-Computer Interaction Computer Science Bachelor Master Project Thesis Industry Cooperation

Background

Catheterization is an up-to-date minimally invasive procedure, which is performed in patients with a variety of vascular diseases (myocardial infarction, limb ischemia, stroke). The procedure requires training to master it. Typically, a flexible catheter is inserted into the human body. The catheter has to be exactly positioned to allow the imaging of the vessels. F.e. in heart catheterization the catheter has to be introduced in the ostium of the coronary arteries.To treat blocked arteries thin wires and catheters carrying therapeutic devices (balloon, stents) are navigated through the lesion. Navigation is done by gently pushing and twisting the wire and catheter while watching its position inside the vessel (using XRay).

Tasks

A prototype hardware system to detect minimal rotating and and pushing movements of the catheter has to be developed. The system should use an optical sensor (like the ones used in computer mice) to sense the movements. The sensor setup is based on an Arduino board and a specific back-plane carrying the sensor (see images). The task includes optimization and adjustment of the measurement and to evaluate its performance as a potential training device. As an option, it can additionally be evaluated if the optical sensor is able to measure the motion of the considerably smaller wires with sufficient precision.

Prerequisites

• Introduction to Programming, e.g., 10-MCS-EinP
• Introduction to MCS, e.g., 06-MCS-GL-AP
• Usability and Software Ergonomics, e.g., 06-MCS-Usab

Optional

• Hardware and/or maker experience.

Cooperation

This project is in cooperation with the university’s INTUS clinic and the company VRmagic. It is possible to run this project part-time or full-time at the partner’s company in Mannheim.

Cooperation Partners

Contact Persons at the University Würzburg