Prof. Dr. Werner Nahm

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Motivation
Iatrogenic injuries are a risk of surgical interventions that should not be underestimated. Up to 10% of patients who undergo non-urological abdominopelvic surgery suffer a ureter injury (1). Even during the correction of complex anorectal malformations, an injury to the urinary tract is a feared complication (2). In particular, as minimally invasive surgical techniques are becoming increasingly established and allow little haptic feedback, new forms of identifying anatomical structures are being sought.
One possibility is optical contrast imaging of the vessel using a fluorescent dye (ICG). However, this requires a special camera and recording technology.
The aim of this project is to provide a proof of concept for an alternative that works in the visible spectral range and could allow visual identification of the urinary tract.

Task
The research internship initially includes familiarization with the clinical question, as well as the identification and recording of the application requirements and technical specifications. A laboratory setup is then to be realized and initial tests carried out.
Based on the preliminary tests, a topic for a subsequent thesis can be determined.
 

Knowledge / Requirements
• Quick comprehension, independent work and experimental skills
• Basic knowledge of human anatomy
Basic knowledge of optics
 

The project is carried out in cooperation with Dr. med. Colin Friedrich, Clinic for Neonatal and Pediatric Surgery and Urology, Bürgerhospital and Clementine Children's Hospital, Frankfurt
 

(1) L.A. White et al. Colorectal Disease. 2021;23:718–723; doi: 10.1111/codi.15407
(2) A.R. Hong et al.. Journal of Pediatric Surgery. 2002; 37:339–344; doi:10.1053/jpsu.2002.30810