Electromagnetic tracking system for the gut

Interested in a rewarding career in bioengineering? Get sponsored to do life-changing research in New Zealand.

When gut function is impaired, nutritional support and diagnostic interventions often require the insertion of catheters, typically performed without visual guidance. This presents numerous risks, including death resulting from misplacement. Therefore, there is a clinical need for a new and reliable technology to guide and confirm catheter placement in real-time. This project will develop a ‘GPS system’ for the gut employing state-of-the-art technology and optimisation techniques for efficient, reliable, and accurate confirmation, enhancing the safety of procedures. This new technology will be low-cost and easy-to-use, allowing procedures to be performed at the bedside and easily deployed in rural locations without requiring specialised healthcare professionals.

Desired skills:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, preferably in electrical engineering.
• Strong foundation and keen interest in electronics, instrumentation, and circuitry.
• Thorough comprehension of electromagnetic fields and their applications.
• Working knowledge of MATLAB and C programming.
• Familiarity with computer-aided desing, optimisation techniques, and mobile app development.
• Previous research experience with scientific writing is preferred.

Funding is from HRC ERFG.

Find out more about this project and other projects on our website here.

The Auckland Bioengineering Institute – breaking boundaries in bioengineering for more than 20 years

At the Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI), we apply engineering and technical innovation to advancing medical care, human capability, and understanding of human physiology. Our team of world-renowned researchers are working on everything from artificial intelligence avatars, to implantable devices, to digital models of the human body. Our focus on research excellence and commercialisation adds value to society and to the global economy.

Our research makes a real difference in the world. We’ve designed sensors to diagnose stomach disease without needing invasive surgery; developed a tiny wireless implantable device to measure brain pressure and save the lives of children with hydrocephalus; and we lead the world in building digital models of the human body which will enhance personalised medicine approaches for improved diagnosis and treatment.

Join our team of researchers for a postgraduate degree and together we can make a difference. Our graduates are amongst the most employable in the world – many either continue their career in research, find employment with industry leaders such as Rocket Lab or Fisher & Paykel, or launch their own startup companies.

Our students come from over 50 different countries and a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines, including Engineering, Medicine, Mathematics and Science.

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