Developing a robotic system to restore muscle tissue loss
A Novel Semi-autonomous Surgeon-in-the-loop in situ Robotic Bioprinting System for Functional and Cosmetic Restoration of Volumetric Muscle Loss Injuries
This study is testing a helpful robotic system that assists surgeons in 3D printing new muscle tissue right where it's needed, aiming to improve healing for patients with serious muscle injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10473273 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a semi-autonomous robotic system that assists surgeons in bioprinting human tissues and organs directly at the site of injury. The system uses advanced imaging technology to plan the printing process and allows surgeons to control the deposition of bioinks to restore both the function and appearance of damaged muscle tissue. By combining robotics with innovative bioengineering, this approach aims to improve outcomes for patients suffering from significant muscle loss due to injuries. The methodology emphasizes safety and precision, ensuring that the restoration process is both effective and reliable.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced significant volumetric muscle loss due to trauma or surgical removal.
Not a fit: Patients with minor muscle injuries or those whose muscle tissue is intact may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the ability to restore muscle function and appearance in patients with severe injuries.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using robotic systems for tissue restoration is innovative, similar technologies have shown promise in other areas of regenerative medicine.
Where this research is happening
Austin, United States
- University of Texas at Austin — Austin, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alambeigi, Farshid — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Alambeigi, Farshid
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.