LAROCARE
Description: <p>Our project is focused on improving cartilage surgery using advanced robotics, laser, and bioengineering technology. Damage to the smooth tissue in our knee joints can lead to joint pain and arthritis, and is often difficult to repair effectively. Our approach aims to make these surgeries safer and more precise by combining two cutting-edge techniques: </p><p>First, we are developing a robotic system equipped with a laser to carefully shape the damaged cartilage. In first pilot tests, we have observed reduced injury to cartilage cells adjacent to the laser cut compared to a manually prepared cut. We believe that reduced injuries improve the integration of regenerative cartilage tissue. Our robot is guided by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), a technology that provides real-time feedback to ensure the laser is working accurately. </p><p>Second, we are combining this precise surgery with a new regenerative treatment. We use special cells from the patient's nose, which are better at forming new cartilage than other cells. These cells are mixed with a gel that can be injected into the damaged area, promoting better healing.</p><p>Our multidisciplinary team is made up of researchers from the Department of Biomedical Engineering (DBE) and the Departement Biomedizin (DBM) at the University of Basel, as well as from the University Hospital Basel (USB), the University Children’s Hospital Basel (UKBB), and the Department of Small Animal Surgery and the Musculoskeletal Research Unit (MSRU) at the University of Zurich. In our project we combine expertise in robotics, lasers, cartilage engineering, imaging, surgical, and veterinary research to define the future of regenerative cartilage treatment.</p>
Amount: CHF 3,196,000
Funding type: research
Funder scheme: Project funding
Start date: 2024-09-01
End date: 2028-08-31
Investigator: Rauter, Georg
Institution: University of Basel – BS
Funded outputs count: 1
Funder award ID: 10001324
OpenAlex ID: G7243000951