Events

Robotics seminar: Soft Robotics, Surgeons and the Pathway to Surgical Application, by Prof Martin Birchall

Date:	Wednesday 26 November 2025 11:00 - 12:00
Location:	Eng. 2.09

ARQ Robotics seminar

Title: Soft Robotics, Surgeons and the Pathway to Surgical Application

Speaker: Prof Martin Birchall

Abstract: Engineering advances may enable development of implantable artificial muscles. Lessons from previous implant experience must be applied to ensure best outcomes, maximum uptake and reduction of avoidable risk. Affordable solutions realistically able to recoup development costs are key, but could generate conflict between scrupulous selection of patients and achieving sufficient profitable sales. Influential factors include indirect factors affecting perceptions of the device. Everyday practice shifts from tightly-focussed indications towards generalisable use at scale. “Real-life” situations include comorbidity and reliance on surgical teams from differing healthcare situations. Surgeons undertaking their first procedures with the new implant, and later using it in broader indications potentially outside the device’s intended scope (“indication creep”) generate vulnerabilities. Low volume providers represent a particular risk. The patient receiving the artificial muscle may not comply with use instructions, which could cause device or tissue damage. Furthermore, a patient may develop a problem with their implant whilst away on holiday, where they may not have access to healthcare with suitable expertise- risking inappropriate action or missed opportunity by inaction. Poor quality data and mis-attribution of adverse outcomes can be reputationally harmful for the implant, potentially without justification. The innovation and adoption pathway is rarely smooth.

Speaker's Bio: www.uclh.nhs.uk/our-services/find-consultant/professor-ma...

Arranged by:	Queen Mary University of London
Contact:	Hadi Sadati
Email:	s.sadati@qmul.ac.uk
People:	S.M.Hadi SADATI Ketao ZHANG
Research Centres:	Bioengineering Intelligent Transport Research in Engineering and Materials Education