Medical Informatics “Made in Regensburg"
The prize was received by Johannes Maier from the Regensburg Medical Image Computing (ReMIC) Laboratory at the East Bavarian Regensburg Technical University (OTH Regensburg), led by Prof. Dr. Christoph Palm. Mr. Maier has developed novel computer-based modelled geometry in his research work allowing the imitation of soft tissue which is not only geometrically but also haptically correct with the aid of a 3D printer. For hand surgery a haptic model has been produced for integration into a close-to-reality virtual reality (VR) training system.
Training on medical simulators has been proved to improve performance of surgeons in the operation room and reduces the number of errors. In this training system, which is being developed in the framework of the BMBF-funded project “HaptiVisT”, wire drilling for the fixation of fractures following an injury allows hands-on training. With the publicized work by Mr. Maier it is now possible for the first time to use haptic representation on a hand that is going to be operated on in patient-specific manner. This is essential for the VR training system, which through the palpation of bony prominences determines the optimal position for the wires. In addition to training, new treatment methodologies can be tested or medical preliminary discussions be made easier. Currently Mr. Maier is undertaking his doctoral work at the Faculty for Medicine at the University of Regensburg in association with Regensburg OTH in the field of medical informatics to achieve Dr. scientiarum humanarum (Dr. sc. hum.) and has documented with this prize the outstanding cooperation of both universities in the Regensburg location. (contact: Johannes2.maier@oth-regensburg.de).
