VACANCY CLOSED: PhD in Medical Visualisation: Virtual Surgical Pelvis
This project's primary goal is to develop a new surgical planning system as well as an integrated histology-based, 3D bio-mechanical model of the pelvis, the Virtual Surgical Pelvis (VSP). With this system, it will be possible to perform an accurate simulation of the Total Mesorectal Excision surgical procedure. We will also develop the necessary techniques to customise the VSP to a specific patient by making use of pre-operative MRI data. Combining these components will enable the surgeon to create a detailed surgical plan, thus improving post-operative outcome. Additionally, the system will be useful for surgical training and will eventually be applicable to other surgical procedures in the pelvis.
The project consists of two major components, namely:
- Development of the 3D bio-mechanical model of the pelvis, surgical planning system and atlas-based registration methods: Medical Visualisation.
- Sectioning, measurement and analysis of histological material; derivation of all information required for the model: Anatomy.
We have two 4-year Ph.D. positions available, matching the two major components:
The position described on this web page is for the MEDICAL VISUALISATION PhD CANDIDATE, who will be appointed at the Department of Mediamatics (Computer Graphics/Medical Visualisation Group) of TU Delft and will be supervised by Dr. Charl Botha.
For the ANATOMY PhD CANDIDATE position, please contact Prof.dr. Marco de Ruiter at M.C.de_Ruiter@lumc.nl.
Extended project summary
Colorectal cancer is the third most frequent cancer diagnosed in men and the second most in women. Surgical resection of the rectum with a Total Mesorectal Excision procedure (TME) is the predominant surgical treatment option for rectal cancer. Introduction of the TME technique has reduced local recurrence rates dramatically. However, the shape of the pelvis and the position of the organs within the pelvis hamper a good view on the very closely related and difficult to detect nerves, lymphatics and vessels during surgery. Although world-wide TME training programmes pay special attention to nerve sparing techniques, clinical studies still report a high incidence of pelvic organ dysfunction like urine and faecal incontinence and sexual dysfunction.
We plan to address these problems by developing a unique new surgical planning system that has at its core the highest resolution digitised histological sections of the pelvis. Based on the histology, 3-D segmentations thereof and the physical measurements that we plan to perform of the various involved tissue types, we will derive a detailed and physically correct biomechanical simulation model: The Virtual Surgical Pelvis (VSP). During the second phase of this research, we will develop the necessary atlas-based registration and transformation techniques with which the VSP can be made patient-specific, based on pre-operative high-field MRI data.
The VSP will be integrated with a surgical planning system. This combination will enable the operating surgeon to simulate and plan the TME surgery in 3-D, with real-time and realistic visual feedback on the predicted bio-mechanical behaviour of the anatomical structures of the pelvis. In addition, the VSP will eventually be applicable for use in the planning of other pelvic surgical procedures and will be an invaluable tool in surgical training.
Requirements
The applicant must:
- have an MSc degree in a relevant discipline, such as computer science or electrical and computer engineering.
- Have extensive programming background.
- Be an enthusiastic team player.
- have strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- be fluent in English.
In addition, the successful applicant will probably have:
- some background in visualisation, medical imaging or computer graphics.
- Some background in biomechanical and 3D modelling.
- A publication record of one or more scientific papers in an international forum.
- one or more scientific papers published in an international forum.
- demonstrable experience with as many as possible of the following: VTK, ITK, C++, Python.
Conditions of employment
The successful candidate will be employed full-time by TU Delft for a fixed period of 4 years within which he or she is expected to write a dissertation leading to a doctoral degree (PhD thesis). The starting salary for a PhD is €2042 gross per month increasing to a maximum of €2612 gross per month in the fourth year. TU Delft offers an attractive benefits package, including a flexible work week, free high-speed Internet access from home, and the option of assembling a customised compensation and benefits package (the 'IKA'). Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
More information
Also see this advert on academictransfer for more information about the working environment.
More details about the TU Delft Medical Visualisation lab, its people and activities can be found on its website.
For more information about this position, please contact Dr. C. P. Botha, phone: +31 (0)15-2783107, e-mail: c.p.botha@tudelft.nl.
How to apply
To apply, please e-mail:
- a detailed CV including contact details of references,
- a course list with grades, and
a letter of application in which you explain both your interest and the relevance of your skills and experience in the context of this research project.
This vacancy closed on May 15 2011. However, if you are still interested and have a good CV, please do mail me at c.p.botha@tudelft.nl. When applying for this position, make sure to mention vacancy number EWI2011-02.