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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOST supports DLSU's biomedical devices engineering projects

DOST supports DLSU's biomedical devices engineering projects

Published Oct 1, 2021 09:58 pm

The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) is supporting three major biomedical devices engineering projects being implemented by the De La Salle University’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Technologies (IBEHT).

(UNSPLASH/MANILA BULLETIN FILE)

DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said the projects are under the PCHRD’s Biomedical Devices Engineering for Health Program and are being implemented by DLSU’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Technologies (IBEHT).

He said the DLSU’s IBEHT projects are the following:

-LAPARA Project or the Robotic Articulating Laparoscopic Instrument PHASE 2 – Safety Tests and Preclinical Studies

“The LAPARA project is developing a robotic, articulating laparoscopic instrument that aims to improve maneuverability and ease of use for surgeons, as well as lead to faster healing and minimal scarring for patients,” de la Peña said.

“This project aims to be a pioneer in the development of cost-effective robotic surgical systems in the Philippines.”

- TAYÔ Project or the Robotic Rehabilitation for the Trunk and Lower Extremity: PHASE 2 – Safety Testing and Formulation of Clinical Trial Protocol

The DOST chief described TAYÔ as “a multifunctional rehabilitation device for early mobilization designed to rehabilitate stroke patients, helping them to gain strength, to be more mobile, and be able to sit and stand.”

"The device also aims to complement and assist therapists and/or physiatrists in doing physical therapy. It follows Filipino adult measurements that assist in ankle rehabilitation and has surface electromyography (sEMG) for biofeedback.”

- AGAPAY Project or A Robotic Exoskeleton for Upper Limb Rehabilitation

De la Peña said the project aims to develop a wearable robotic exoskeleton that will provide motor rehabilitation and physical therapy to post-stroke and injured patients.

"This robotic exoskeleton is envisioned to aid the patient’s upper limbs to perform his/her range of motion eventually regaining motor control. Unlike other upper-limb rehabilitation devices, AGAPAY will have 7-degree-of-freedom (DoF), which will provide better control and movement precision,” he said.

"In addition, the devices will have an active biofeedback control system and guided user-interface to promote rehabilitation of brain-muscle control. The proponents have already developed a prototype that has undergone preclinical safety tests and certifications.”

He noted that the DLSU-IBEHT has been recognized as a Niche Center in the Region (NICER), specifically the R&D Center for Medical Robotics.

“The IBEHT -NICER will be a Center on Robotics for Movement Rehabilitation or Biomechanics, Robotics for Surgery, and NeuroRobotics.”

Related Tags

Fortunato de la Peña Biomedical Devices Engineering for Health Program IBEHT PCHRD DOST
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