Request for Funding

Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2001

Mentor: Robert C. Eberhart, Ph.D.

Professor of Engineering in Surgery

Department: Surgery

Room number: G8.248

Mail Code: 9130

Phone number: (214) 648-2052

E-mail: Robert.Eberhart@UTSouthwestern.edu

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): NA

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): NA

#1 Project title: Therapeutic Applications of Expandable Bioresorbable Polymeric Stents

Project Type (patient-based research, animal-based research, basic research; this characterization is only to permit a general classification for grouping similar types of projects)

Brief Description of Project:

We have invented methods to fabricate bioresorbable polymeric stents to serve as mechanical supports for various conduits in the body (artery, trachea, esophagus, ureter, etc.). We have also invented companion methods to load drugs, genes, radioisotopes into fibers for incorporation into these stents. Accordingly it becomes possible to provide a platform for local delivery of these agents. Various projects will be undertaken during summer 2001 based on this theme.

This project is done in collaboration with Professor Kevin Nelson of the UT Arlington Biomedical Engineering Program

#2 Project title: Haptic Workstation for Simulation of Laparoscopic Surgery

Project Type (patient-based research, animal-based research, basic research; this characterization is only to permit a general classification for grouping similar types of projects)

Brief Description of Project:

Students interested in computer programming (open GL) of a haptic interface into the virtual world are invited to apply. Current efforts are directed towards simulation of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic hernia repair operations. This project is done in collaboration with the Department of Electrical Engineering at UT Arlington (professor Venkat Devarajan) and the Southwestern Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery (professor Dan Jones).

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students:     yes

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