Masterand R&D Control Engineering (m/f/d)

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Modelbased Continuous Safety Check for Pumps in Minimally Invasive Surgery 1 Introduction

Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) represents a significant advancement in medical technology, characterized by using small incisions rather than traditional open surgery. This approach allows surgeons to visualize and operate within the body using specialized access tools and cameras. The primary benefit of MIS over conventional surgical methods is the markedly improved healing process for patients, attributed to the reduced size of the incisions. To facilitate optimal visibility and accessibility during procedures, pumps or insufflators are employed to inflate the operative cavity. This process involves increasing the cavity pressure above ambient levels, resulting in a visible expansion of the cavity. Pumps typically utilize saline solutions, whereas insufflators use carbon dioxide. The stable and precise operation of these devices is dependent on sophisticated control systems.
The latest generation of pumps uses IPM (Intelligent Pressure Monitoring) to allow for accurate cavity pressure regulation. One part of IPM is a calibration algorithm that identifies the characteristics of the setup. However, this calibration algorithm has some inherent challenges:

• User changes / manipulates the setup during operation and thus changes its characteristics
• Calibration algorithm delivered an inaccurate result

2 Task description

To address the challenges associated with the calibration algorithm, a continuous safety check is proposed to run during operation. This safety check aims to verify the plausibility of the calibration algorithm's outcomes by actively exciting the system during operation. In the event of an implausible result, the continuous safety check will take necessary actions to ensure the proper functioning of the
IPM, thereby safeguarding patient safety.

To that end, the following tasks shall be completed within the scope of this thesis:

• Problem analysis for a variety of operating conditions
• Definition of test scenarios that cover the operating conditions
• Design and implementation of a continuous safety check
• Verification of continuous safety check on the test scenarios

As part of the tasks, the student will…

• set up a test rig for problem analysis, implementation and testing of the algorithm
• use Matlab / Simulink and dSpace or Speedgoat to implement and test the algorithm

3 Prerequisites

The student shall optimally…

• be highly skilled with Matlab /Simulink
• have experience in either dSpace or Speedgoat
• have practical experience in operating test rigs and conducting measurement campaigns
• have a high sense for self-reliant problem-solving

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