2020
Improving free flap transplantations with the use of handheld laser speckle perfusion imaging
Necrosis is a serious complication in breast cancer surgery with reconstruction using autologous transplanted tissues. Necrosis is caused by a low blood perfusion of the transplanted tissue. Technology is needed to measure perfusion in a real-time and objective manner so surgical strategies can be adjusted directly, preventing complicated sequels. In this project, we investigate if laser speckle is a candidate for this. We will use the wireless handheld system developed by the University of Twente within ZGT during surgery. Eventually we hope to achieve a better final outcome for the patient, while saving costs and effort associated with complications.
Dr. Hinne Rakhorst (ZGT), Dr. Daniel Evers (ZGT), Prof.d. ir. Wiendelt Steenbergen (UT)
A new glucose sensor for the artificial pancreas
One out of 14 persons in the Netherlands suffers from diabetes mellitus. They actively have to keep their blood glucose level within a certain range with insulin and food-intake to prevent complications. In close collaboration with Inreda Diabetic, manufacturer of the artificial pancreas (AP), we aim to develop an innovative glucose sensor for their device that is faster, more accurate and can be used for a longer time. This enables better regulation of the glucose levels and reduces the chance of additional complications. In addition, acceptance of the AP and sensors will be researched in adults and children with diabetes.
Dr. Martin Bennink (Saxion), Dr. Goos Laverman (ZGT,UT), Drs. Kilian Kappert (ZGT),
Drs. Renske Rijlaarsdam (ZGT), Drs. Esther Willigenburg-Jansen (ZGT),
Robin Koops (Inreda Diabtetic BV), Mikael Boulay (Inreda Diabetic BV),
Dr. Aurel Ymeti (Saxion)
Automated skin prick test for allergy sensitization assessment: development of a user-friendly, reproducible and decentralized method using AI algorithms and 3D photography.
For the diagnosis of allergy sensitization is measured by means of a skin prick test, in which the allergic skin reaction is manually read by determining the size of the squeeze. This project focuses on the development of a user-friendly objective method that accurately and reproducibly determines the surface of the squat. By using segmentation techniques and Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms and by examining the added value of 3D photography, the sensitization can be determined. Using a smartphone application, a skin prick test could also be reliably performed by the general practitioner or general pediatrician to achieve a good decentralization.
Dr. Joyce Faber (DZ), Prof.dr.ir. Ruud Verdaasdonk (UT), Drs. Monique Gorissen (DZ), Dr. Boony Thio (MST), Drs. Danielle van Bommel-Slee (ZGT), Rob van Doremalen (DZ), Dr. Françoise Siepel (UT), Dr. Maaike Koenrades (MST)
Phenotyping glucose variability for a better life with type 1 Diabetes
Development of complications in type 1-diabetes appears not only related with mean high blood glucose levels but also with unnoticed fluctuations, which may display considerable between patient-variability. The recent availability of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data in most patients enables to use new parameters, including “Time In Range” and glucose-variability. Here, we create a unique CGM-database, define and validate the new parameters and investigate the relation between glucose fluctuations and diabetes complications.
This project results in a paradigm-shift in the follow-up of glucose regulation and paves the way for personalized treatment: A better life with diabetes and less complications.
Dr. Goos Laverman (ZGT,UT), Thomas Urgert (ZGT), Dr.ir. Bert-Jan van Beijnum (UT), Drs. Kilian Kappert (ZGT), Ing. Jeroen Geerdink (ZGT), Prof.dr. Miriam Vollenbroek-Hutten (UT, ZGT)
Artificial inTelligence-empowered endo-ultrasonographic assessment of bowel wall infiltration in early colorectal cancer (a Tempo study)
Since the introduction of the screening of colorectal cancer, early cancer stages with opportunity for local resection are frequently detected. Successful endoscopic resection is only possible if the tumor does not extend into the muscle layer of the bowel. This infiltration depth is judged by surface characteristics, but this judgment is not very reliable in case of deeper infiltration. Endoscopic ultrasound is the only way to visualize the relationship between the muscle layer and the tumor. However, only experienced endosonographists reach acceptable accuracy. This project investigates if automated image processing and recognition will enhance reproducibility and accuracy of this technique.
Dr. Frank ter Borg (DZ), Dr. Jelmer Wolterink (UT)
Balanced Rehabilitation after an Ankle Fracture Operation (The BRAFO study)
Rehabilitation after operation of an ankle fracture occurs mostly at home. In current practice weight bearing of the affected side starts six weeks after surgery. There is clinical evidence though showing that this may be started earlier, however, only under the condition that patients are closely monitored during daily life. At this moment there is no suitable ambulatory measurement system with which we can monitor load, gait patterns and balance in these patients during daily life and no knowledge exists regarding these parameters in the target group. In this project a robust and user-friendly measurement system is being developed that makes this possible. The system will be technically validated. A pilot study, in which this measurement system will be used to monitor patients deploying partial weight-bearing in week 3 until 6 after the ankle surgery, will provide the first insights into the user-friendliness, applicability and clinical possibilities of this new measurement system.
Dr. Han Hegeman (ZGT,UT), Dr. Bert-Jan van Beijnum (UT), Hans Faessen (ZGT), Ellis Folbert (ZGT), Prof.dr. Jaap Buurke (UT, RRD), Prof.dr. Miriam Vollenbroek (ZGT, UT), Prof.dr.ir. Peter Veltink (UT)
Risk assessment in ischemic stroke by photoacoustic quantification of carotid plaque (in)stability
Worldwide vascular diseases cause 17.8 million deaths annually, partly from ischemic stroke (23%) caused by unstable thrombogenic atherosclerotic vascular wall lesions in the carotid artery. The choice for intervention is determined by the degree of the narrowing of the carotid artery. The degree of carotid plaque instability is barely included in the decision-making process. The Number-Neededto-Treat (NNT) is 6 and the Number-Needed-to-Harm (NNH) is 0.3. Better patient selection, including taking plaque instability in decision-making, will contribute to meaningful care. We aim to optimize a handheld multispectral photoacoustic system and examine carotid plaque (in)stability.
Dr. Francis Kalloor Joseph (UT), Prof.dr.ir. Wiendelt Steenbergen (UT), Prof.dr. Bob Geelkerken (MST,UT), Prof.dr. Michel Reijnen (UT), Dr. Renate Arntz (MST), Prof. Riemer Slart (UT), Dr. Ruchi Bansal (UT), Dr. Mithun Kuniyil Ajith Singh (Cyberdyne Inc)
MR lymphography and magnetic sentinel lymph node biopsy in melanoma patients
Melanoma of the skin has a strong tendency to metastasize. Current-standard-of-care treatment is focused on dissection of the primary tumour and assessment of nodal status by an invasive surgical procedure: sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). However, 84% of dissected LNs are negative for metastases. With this pilot we will concentrate on the improvement of care: developing a MR lymphography protocol for preoperative patient stratification into SLNB, and improving medical devices for perioperative LN detection. Consequently, this study will pave the way towards larger clinical trials to improve the melanoma treatment in terms of improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
Dr.ir. Lejla Alic (UT), Dr. Anneriet Dassen (MST), Drs. Anke Christenhusz (UT), Ir. Jan Leerkotte (MST), Dr. Casper Smit (MST), Ir. Marjolein Hilgerink (ZGT), Dr. Noortje van der Bijl (MST), Dr.ir. Frank Simonis (UT) Remco Liefers (UT), Ir. Erik Krooshoop (UT), Mariska Schreven-Stellaard (Labpon)
Home-based rehabilitation for children with oncologic disorders by use of a care robot
The physical fitness of children with cancer drops sharply during their treatment. Contributing to this fall in fitness is, besides the disease and treatment itself, their physical inactivity. Normally children maintain their fitness through sports and play with peers, however their vulnerability compromises social interaction. A caring little robot, could be a playful buddy that can induce activity and simultaneously monitor reactivation by connecting to wearable sensors. In this pilot study we will investigate if a caring robot is a feasible tool to reactivate children with cancer at a distance.
Drs. Vera Hengeveld (MST), Dr Pieter van Lierop (MST), Drs. Wouter Quak (DZ), Drs. Matienne van der Kamp (MST), Dr.ir. Monique Tabak (UT), Dr. Joyce Faber (DZ), Drs. Ina Flierman (Roessingh Centrum voor Revalidatie)
Photoacoustic breast tomography: Towards monitoring of neoadjuvant chemotherapy response
A state-of-the-art photoacoustic breast imager has been developed under the coordination of the University of Twente, in a European collaboration with universities, companies and the regional hospitals. This imager will allow us to accurately analyse tumor vascularity, tissue perfusion and oxygenation in breast tumors, which are known to be highly suitable parameters for response evaluation in neo-adjuvant-chemotherapy (NAC). In this PIHC project we will investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the imager, and for the first time lay the foundation for a clinical study on the use of photoacoustics for the evaluation of NAC.
Prof.dr. Srirang Manohar (UT), Dr. Jeroen Veltman (ZGT,UT), Dr. Ester Siemerink (ZGT), Dr. Margreet Van der Schaaf (MST), Prof.dr. Lioe-Fee De Geus-Oei (UT), Dr. Machteld Wymenga (MST), Dr. Daniëlle de Leeuw (ZGT), Maura Dantuma (UT), R. Bulthuis (UT), Saskia Aarnink (MST), Dr. Anneriet Dassen (MST)
Ultrasonic therapeutic film
Every year 500.000 Dutch patients suffer from chronic wounds. These are slow healing wounds, commonly as a result of underlying diseases. The most common are high pressure, lower leg and diabetic foot ulcers, which even with the best care can result in amputation or eventually death. Ultrasonic waves interact with cells and tissue through pressure oscillations, promoting wound healing even in case of reduced oxygen delivery to the tissue. This project will bring together UT researchers and clinicians to find the best way to accelerate and stimulate healing in chronic wounds with ultrasonic means.
Dr. Pep Canyelles Pericas (UT), Drs. Kilian Kappert (ZGT), Dr. Rombout Kruse (ZGT), Dr. David Fernandez Rivas (UT), Prof.dr.ir. Michel Versluis (UT), Prof.dr.ir. Albert van den Berg (UT), Semme Molenaar, (NovelT)