Overview
Integrated Interventional Imaging Operating System (IIIOS) is a large-scale Initial Training Network funded by the Seventh Framework Programme (FP 7). Its goal is to develop novel techniques and devices to meet the needs of the imaging operating theatre, including:
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- Introducing multimodality, non-invasive, image-guided diagnosis techniques
- Developing therapy based on MRI, ultrasound and biophotonics for cardiovascular procedures and cancer treatments
- Combining macroscopic MR, CT and PET imaging, ultrasound and microscopic biophotonics with existing techniques for minimally invasive interventions and surgery
The project will address these goals from a range of perspectives, investigating not only the technical design and workings of the operating system components, but also clinical and organisational aspects, including training of staff and workflow optimisation.
IIIOS will also provide unparalleled training and education opportunities to doctoral and postdoctoral level researchers across the European Union, with particular emphasis on career development and interdisciplinary exchange of knowledge.
Training Programme
Training and education are key goals of the IIIOS project, and IIIOS offer an array of courses and seminars. Examples of topics covered include:
- Intellectual Property Rights and Exploitation of Results
- Safety in Imaging and Intervention
- Imaging Techniques based on Medical Photonics
- Techniques of Workflow Analysis and Optimisation
- Human - Machine Interface and Interaction
- Project Management
A full list of training events is available on the . Participation in these events is open to all interested parties. Anyone wishing to attend should contact for further details.
The Partners
The IIIOS consortium is made up of ten main partners, including industrial, academic and clinical sites. Each contributes its individual strengths to the project.
The project will fund a total of 19 Marie Curie Fellowships across the network, comprising 13 Early Stage Researcher (ESR) and 6 Experienced Researcher (ER) posts.
1. University of Dundee
IIIOS will be coordinated by
University of Dundee from The Institute for Medical Science & Technology (IMSaT), a joint venture between the Universities of Dundee and St. Andrews. Workflow analyses and optimization by numerical modelling and simulation, accompanied by MRI-compatible device design, procedure development and image management, will be University of Dundee’s key research areas in the IIIOS project.
Innomotion MRI - compatible robotic arm (Innomedic GmbH) and 1.5T GE MRI scanner at IMSaT
2. University of St. Andrews
The School of Physics and Astronomy, the School of Biology and the School of Medicine at the
University of St Andrews stand at the forefront of biophotonics research. Within IIIOS, the programme includes Raman spectroscopy, microscopy, Optical Coherence Tomography, and their application in synergy and combination with MR imaging for bio-medical applications.
3. Oslo University Hospital
Intra-operative robotic angiography at Oslo University Hospital
The Interventional Centre,
Oslo University Hospital is an unequalled cross-disciplinarily organised hospital research department. The department has pioneered many image guided therapy techniques and is developing novel technologies for computer-aided surgery. The clinical research department has three experimental operation rooms, all equipped for cutting edge image-guided therapies. The main role for the Interventional Centre in IIIOS will be: analysis of the current available technologies for intraoperative multimodal image visualisation and navigation; integration of real-time catheter tip tracking into a 3T MR system for intraoperative image navigation; and development of endoscopic and cardiovascular navigation and pre-clinical evaluation of the new methods.
4. Norwegian University of Science and Technology
NTNU's cross-disciplinary research in medical technology delivers creative innovations that have far reaching social and economic impact. NTNU has extensive strategic cooperation with SINTEF and the new St Olav’s Hospital, which hosts very sophisticated equipment, especially regarding research within image guided therapy, medical imaging and the Operating Room of the future, which all are relevant for research in the IIIOS network.
Intra-operative imaging in St. Olav’s Hospital, Trondhei
5. University of Homburg Saar
University Hospital Homburg Saar (USAAR) is an interdisciplinary oriented health centre. The Clinic of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology as part of the IIIOS Project focuses on development, evaluation and optimisation of MRI-guided procedures as well as advanced preclinical and clinical research of delivering vascular implants. Additionally, training for visiting scientists of all different kinds is offered.
MR performed at the Clinic of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Homburg
6. MR:Comp GmbH
MR image of vena cava filter
MR:comp GmbH is specialized in testing implants, instruments and accessories regarding to magnetic resonance safety and compatibility for device use within the MR environment. Research services are provided in the field of numerical simulation of electromagnetic fields analysing MR characteristics and RF-induced heating of e.g. implants and instruments.
7. University of Luebeck
The is responsible for patient care during interventional procedures in the fields of MRI, radiology, neuroradiology, radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine, in summary the "white zone". Based on this experience we are a partner of the IIIOS project with respect to patient safety, work flow and development of anaesthesiological devices in this area.
Anaesthesia is a key component of many procedures
8. Delft University of Technology
Using a clinically driven approach, MISIT (Minimally Invasive Surgery and Interventional Techniques) of the
Delft University of Technology aims to improve minimally invasive techniques. Dedicated research will be carried out in the fields of the human-machine interface, simulator interactions and advanced steerable and articulating instruments.
9. Fakultni Nemocnice u sv. Anny v Brne
The
International Clinical Research Centre (ICRC) concept is a result of long lasting co-operation between St. Anne’s University Hospital Brno and the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN, USA). As part of IIIOS Project, the ICRC Team will be involved in development of novel technologies for real-time nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) guided cardiac interventions, such as real-time NMR guided cardiac electrophysiology and mapping.
Prospective image of the ICRC
10. GE Medical Systems
Research and development at GE
GE Healthcare provides transformational medical technologies and services that are shaping a new age of patient care. Within the IIIOS project, GE will work towards moving MR-guided catheter tracking technology onto a more modern MR technology platform and combine this with resonant marker devices to start developing clinical applications.
11. Associated Partners and Collaborators
IIIOS has strong ties with its associated partners - The (SMIT), the
German Association of Biomedical Engineering (DGBMT) and
Mentice. SMIT, the Society for Medical Innovation and Technology was founded in 1989 as the first international multidisciplinary society promoting Minimally Invasive Therapy. The annual conferences 2009-2013 include IIIOS scientific sessions, and training events. DGBMT, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Biomedizinische Technik works to promote the development and application of innovative medical technologies in the country's healthcare system to help patients, heal people, and prevent disease. Mentice AB provides medical simulation solutions for training, education and assessments. It has a particular focus in minimally invasive endovascular procedures. IIIOS collaborates with world leaders in the , Brigham and Women’s Hospital,
Harvard Medical School and the , world leaders in interventional cardiology.
IIIOS Supervisory Board
- Prof. Sir Alfred Cushieri (University of Pisa / University of Dundee);
- Prof. Fiona J Gilbert (University of Aberdeen);
- Dr Amir Szold (University of Tel Aviv);
- Prof. Dr. Horst Sievert, (Cardiovascular Centre Frankfurt);
- Prof. Daniel Sze (Dept. Radiology, Stanford University Medical School);
- Prof. Joachim Kettenbach (Inselspital University Bern; Dept of Radiology, Medical University Vienna);
- Prof. Wilson Sibbett (University of St Andrews);
- Prof. Dr Thomas J Vogl (Dept of Interventional Radiology, University of Frankfurt)
