Bioengineering, Biotechnology, and Imaging
Presentation at the November 19, 2007 NCDD Meeting
Chair: Barbara B. Bass, MD
Vice Chair: David A. Lieberman, MD
Research Goal 1
Define optimal procedural approach for patients with digestive disorders amenable to either endoscopic, image-guided or minimal access surgery
Research Goal 1
Objectives
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Evaluate efficacy and outcome measures, including quality of life, for innovative surgical technologies.
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Perform a cost analysis of new surgical methods compared to traditional procedures.
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Conduct rigorous studies of physiologic and immunologic response to minimal access surgery to determine if biologic advantage exists for these procedures.
Research Goal 2
Develop innovative technology for the diagnosis and treatment of luminal disease.
Research Goal 2
Objectives
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Develop and validate a method to perform "molecular" biopsy of luminal abnormalities in real time.
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Develop improved endoscopic instrumentation for therapeutic endoscopy.
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Develop improved virtual endoscopy technology to access the luminal space of the GI tract.
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Define mechanisms of scar tissue formation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Research Goal 3
Use tissue engineering and regenerative medicine approaches to develop innovative treatments for digestive diseases.
Research Goal 3
Objectives
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Identify and isolate local stem cell populations in the GI tract for tissue engineering applications.
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Develop scaffolds, both naturally occurring and synthetic, to support growth and differentiation of cell populations indigenous to the gastrointestinal tract.
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Develop tissue engineering and regenerative medicine methods for esophageal and small bowel disorders.
Research Goal 4
Expand the application and integration of imaging and procedural technologies to deliver targeted interventions with minimal tissue injury to patients with digestive disorders
Research Goal 4
Objectives
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Develop new PET tracers for clinical use including markers of proliferation, tumor specific antigens, markers of apoptosis, and inflammation.
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Develop intraoperative high-energy gamma and beta detectors to enhance intraoperative localization.
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Develop energy delivery and real-time tracking devices to optimize local image-guided interventions.
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Develop navigation and control devices to allow single-port laparoscopic procedures, intraluminal procedures, and natural orifice surgeries.
Research Goal 5
Develop high-fidelity interactive simulators of the digestive system.
Research Goal 5
Objectives
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Define the optimal use of simulation in training the procedural workforce
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Metrics, transference, competency assessment, acquisition of new technologies
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Define the value of simulation in developing new procedures
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Procedural design
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Prediction of outcomes
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Develop high-fidelity simulators to allow multimodality procedural rehearsal
Major Challenges/Steps To Achieve Goals
Major Challenges/Steps To Achieve Goals
Translational and Clinical Research
Challenge: Advances require interaction of disciplines not traditionally aligned in academic environments: clinicians, engineers, computer scientists, imaging, molecular pharmacy
Steps:
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State-of-the-art workshops
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Consortia of integrated research programs
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Funding requirements
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Dual training programs: bioengineering — surgery
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Development of non-traditional disciplines and trainingpathways
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Surgery- gastroenterology
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Radiology— surgery— GI
Major Challenges/Steps To Achieve Goals
Academia-Industry Collaboration
Challenge:
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Financial interests preclude open collaboration between industry and investigators.
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IP interests hamper productive collaboration with small cap partners.
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COI concerns limit PI interaction with major industry partners
Steps:
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Educate investigator workforce re IP management
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Develop more effective policies to allow industry collaboration and manage COI
Major Challenges/Steps To Achieve Goals
Regenerative Medicine
Challenge:
Steps:
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Symposium on regenerative medicine research in the digestive system with input of other system leaders
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Consortium of investigators
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Partnership with organ failure and repair clinicians with RM/TE investigators
Major Challenges/Steps To Achieve Goals
Fostering Research Teams
Challenge:
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Biotechnology research requires collaboration between diverse disciplines
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Biotechnology research requires very high cost tools and technologies
Steps:
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Develop network of high-density research centers in areas of emphasis: imaging, robotics, devices,
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Develop infrastructure for AV integration to link research facilities - share images, robotics, simulation
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Target resources to interdisciplinary research teams
Page last updated: January 07, 2008