Current Projects
The core activities of the group are split into two broad areas, thermal and non-thermal microwave and mm-wave systems. In certain applications both types of energy could be used to achieve a positive clinical outcome.
Novel transmission structure based microwave haemostat
A new co-axial structure has been developed in the group in conjunction with Creo Medical which features a hollow inner conductor capable of the introduction of liquids, gases or even small medical tools to a treatment site alongside the use of microwave energy to cut, coagulate or ablate to achieve a wide range of clinical outcomes. One embodiment of this is the use of microwave energy and the localised delivery of adrenaline to stop bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Prototype integrated vision system
A handheld device capable of visualisation and ablation in difficult to reach areas of the body; such as the lungs, biliary ducts and duodenum, is currently being developed which will allow clinicians to treat ailments which are not accessible with current technology.
Fast pulse electroporation for non-thermal ablation and cell neutralisation
The use of fast pulses of energy into tissue and cells has been shown to cause clinical effect. Research at the MMSRG is currently considering how this affects the cellular membranes and how this can be used by clinicians to treat patients. We are developing instrumentation and experimental techniques to enable increased and decreased production of several types of cells. This work is exploring ways of controlling the production of various important cells to assist with stem cell work and cancer treatment.
Focused mm-wave energy for thermal skin treatment system
Based on the development of energy systems and applicators using new mm-wave devices to deliver energy into the skin with a uniform distribution, the ability to deliver energy to very limited depths of penetration provides the potential to treat many skin related conditions, including:
Skin cancer
- Benign tumours: skin tag, cutaneous horn, seborrheic keratosis, general warts and actinic keratosis
- Malignant tumours: melanoma
Cosmetic
Collagen shrinkage for wrinkle removal and controlled destruction of hair follicles for hair removal
Click here to download the Skin therapy datasheet
Brain tumours
Extremely focused heat, together with dielectric tissue measurement and temperature sensing at the radiation section of the antenna and along the shaft provides a safe and effective solution that offers significant advantage over other solutions. The MMSRG is working with the visualisation group at Bangor on this application.
Bone cancer
Impedance matched focused heat produced by high frequency microwave energy is introduced either directly into the bone or coupled through the bone to the tumour using bespoke surgical antenna structures. This system may also be used in conjunction with non-thermal mm-wave systems to repair damaged or replace lost bone.
Future work
The group intends to extend its activities to look at methods of generating and delivering broadband low power density mm-wave energy into various cell structures to look at how it affects cellular growth. Low intensity mm-wave energy at certain frequencies may be used to produce cell reduction in selected cells, and this effect will be examined for applications relating to cancer treatment.
Collaborators
The group is currently working with many other academic institutions and commercial partners.
- Creo Medical Limited (formerly MicroOncology Limited)
- Northwick Park Institute of Medical Research (NPIMR) - Department of Surgical Research
- St. Mark’s Hospital - Endoscopy Unit
- University College Hospitals Foundation Trust - Windeyer Institute of Medical Sciences
- Royal Liverpool University Hospitals - Radiology Department
- The University of Manchester - Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences
- The University of Manchester – Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department
- Cardiff University – Department of Dermatology and Wound Healing (School of Medicine)
- University College London (UCL) – Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department
- Poietics Limited