The course “Advanced interventional and therapeutic technologies” is composed of two modules: “Robotics for minimally invasive and targeted therapy” and “Bionic organs and tissues”.
The overall course aims to provide students with knowledge and methodological tools typical of (i) robotics in the surgical/diagnostic domain, (ii) targeted therapies based on micro/nano smart materials, and (iii) mechatronics and bioengineering for bionic organs/tissues and regenerative purposes.
In particular, in the “Robotics for minimally invasive and targeted therapy” module, the students will gather knowledge and methodologies concerning the design of robots and intelligent instruments for surgery and interventional tasks, from the macro to the micro size, towards targeted therapy. At the end of the course, the students will be able to identify the most appropriate targeting/therapeutic solutions for different human body districts, at different scales and for different pathologies. Thanks to the analysis of the surgical robots available in the teacher’s Institute, the students will be able to relate the theoretical knowledge with real practical scenarios.
The module “Bionic organs and tissues” aims to teach students how to design and develop artificial and bioartificial technologies at different scales, bionic organs and tissues, smart materials for advanced therapy, organ function replacement, drug delivery and tissue regeneration. Principles of anatomy and physiology of different organs and tissues will be provided. Mechatronic/micro-mechatronic solutions, as well as “wet bioengineering” ones, alternative to or synergic with traditional medical/surgical procedures, will be also highlighted. Hands-on laboratory activities are part of the course: students will be involved in practical activities concerning microfabrication, physical and chemical characterization techniques and cell cultures.