We recently tested a new prototype of our steerable needle. To see it work so well and all of the different parts of the project come together was very exciting. The project started as an idea. It had then been tested in a device far too big to be used in surgery. Gradually all of the ideas and work had resulted in a needle that could be one day used for real. The experiment that day showed that having a clinical device was a real possibility.
I also worked on a smaller project for a device to be used with a robot during surgery. The day that all of the team’s work ended up with a prototype used in the operating theatre was very, very rewarding.
Myself and wider team were awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize last year. It was nice to be recognised for enduring work in the field of engineering in surgery.
Day-to-day, cases where I get to go into the operating theatre and see a case that I’ve designed and helped to fabricate in use is usually very rewarding.
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