We invite applications for PhD candidates with a strong interest in performing cutting-edge research, to study the design and control of novel catheters with programmable friction.

The field of minimally-invasive cardiovascular intervention has proved its benefit over open-heart surgery, leading to shorter recovery times and lower infection rates. In cardiovascular interventions, the interventionist navigates specialized catheters through the arteries to the heart, where the interventions are performed. These devices are fitted with low friction coatings so that their introduction into the body does not damage the mucous membranes of the blood vessels. While low friction is beneficial to avoid damage to the membranes, it makes holding a specific location inside the heart difficult. This is particularly true when high forces need to be applied during cutting or puncturing tissues.

The novel approach put forward in this project aims at controlling frictional properties in real-time, using ultrasonic friction modulation, to anchor and release a compliant catheter inside the body. The body of the catheter will exhibit high-friction with the biological tissues by default to maintain a certain position, to operate with high forces without buckling, and can become near frictionless by engaging the ultrasonic actuation during insertion and removal of the catheter; preventing the “Chinese finger trap” effect.

In this project you will:

1. model the behavior of ultrasonic friction modulation with soft tissues and in the presence of fluids.
2. design a prototype catheter with the unique ability to modify its frictional resistance in real-time.
3. evaluate the concept ex-vivo.

The PhD position is part of  the Bio Inspired Technology (BITE; www.bitegroup.nl) group of the BioMechanical Engineering (BME) department, which has extensive experience in flexible steerable surgical instrument design, and the Delft Haptics Lab (https://delfthapticslab.nl) of the Cognitive Robotics department (CoR), which brings expertise in ultrasonic friction-modulation. The project will be carried out in collaboration with Amsterdam University Medical Center (AUMC) and Erasmus Medical Center (EUMC), as well as the Interfacial Fluid Phenomena Group in the Process & Energy (P&E) department.

Your profile:

• You have or are about to obtain an MSc-degree in mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, robotics, applied physics or a related design discipline.
• You are self-motivated and reliable.
• You are creative and have a strong interest in designing new devices.
• You are a good collaborator with people from other disciplines such as hospitals and companies.
• You have an excellent command of English (at least C1). Knowledge of, or willingness to, learn Dutch is an advantage.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.

Technische Universiteit Delft

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The 3mE Faculty trains committed engineering students, PhD candidates and post-doctoral researchers in ground-breaking scientific research in the fields of mechanical, maritime and materials engineering. 3mE is the epitome of a dynamic, innovative faculty, with a European scope that contributes demonstrable economic and social benefits.

The Department of BioMechanical Engineering coordinates the Education and Research activities in the field of Mechanical Engineering techniques, like modelling and design, to analyse the interaction between biological and technical systems.

The main focus of the Cognitive Robotics department is the development of intelligent robots that will advance mobility, productivity and quality of life. Its mission is to bring robotic solutions to human-inhabited environments, focusing on research in the areas of machine perception, motion planning and control, machine learning, automatic control and physical interaction of intelligent machines with humans.