Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor Kenichi Takahata was recently renewed as Canada Research Chair in Advanced Micro/Nanofabrication and MEMS. Prof. Takahata will study medical micro-devices for intelligent implants and microsurgical applications to enable minimally invasive diagnosis and therapy. Targeted devices include adaptive stents and stent grafts, brain aneurysm wireless sensors, and devices for MRI guided surgery.
Minimally invasive diagnosis and therapy are an emerging and important approach being developed in medicine. Highly miniaturized implantable devices and surgical tools are the key in this area. Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) have a promising potential for increasing the functionality of the devices/tools while decreasing their invasiveness and a wireless interface is essential to enhance the practicality of these devices. Prof. Takahata’s research explores how MEMS and micro/nanofabrication technologies can contribute to realizing these devices and innovating medical technologies.
“We are focusing on bridging the gap between advanced engineering materials and the current design and fabrication of (MEMS) to bring innovative new ideas to this field,” says Takahata.
Prof. Tahahata’s non-traditional approach in fabrication methods and materials has led to innovations in biomedical engineering and healthcare. For example, his research has shown that “smart” implants can be made using micro-machined stainless steel, which is both strong and compatible with biological material. Used in cardiac stents, these smart micro-implants allow doctors to monitor blood flow and pressure at local sites wirelessly and better detect heart disease than with previous methods. Takahata’s research will ultimately advance the practical applications of MEMS devices, contributing to the health and well-being of people throughout British Columbia, Canada and the world.
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