World-leading Innovations
Here in Hull we are committed to nurturing innovation. People from industry, academia and the NHS are collaborating to improve patient health, pioneer innovations and create prosperity. Hull has strong expertise in innovation, research, development, testing and trials. Particular areas of focus are:
Medical engineering and device development
The University of Hull's Centre for Medical Engineering and Technology's (CMET) expertise lies in the application of computer modelling techniques with a special focus on medical implants and bone. This expertise has led to a joint research project with Smith & Nephew - global leaders in the development of advanced medical devices - focusing on the creation of computer simulations to help develop improved designs for future orthopaedic devices.
Fracture plate
CMET has developed a new fracture plate for managing fracture of the femur following hip joint replacement, in a collaboration with orthopaedic surgeons at Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust. A prototype plate has been manufactured and tested successfully in the laboratory and partners are now being sought to exploit it further.
Bone biomechanics
Researchers at CMET are the leading group in the UK for the modelling of bone, with significant funding provided by the UK's three main research councils and many collaborators from around the world. Projects range from the modelling of basic bone cell activities through to predicting the behaviour of whole bones, in the normal and diseased state, for conditions such as osteoporosis and arthritis.
Oesophageal disorders
In April 2010 leading healthcare professionals from around the world gathered in Hull for a hugely successful three day conference on reflux disease, Reflux and its consequences: Key opinions in laryngeal, pulmonary and oesophageal manifestations. Emphasis was placed on state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques and therapies, with the opportunity to experience first hand the latest methods which have been developed.
Speech valve
CMET has been awarded a Department of Health 'New and Emerging Applications Technology' grant to develop a new generation of speech valves for use in patients who have had a laryngectomy. It is allowing researchers to optimise the new valve design and undertake a proof of concept trial, while preparing the product for market.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms
A joint project between CMET and the Vascular Laboratory at Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust is underway to use computer assisted diagnostics to predict the risk of rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms. The system will not only identify those patients with increased risk who require early surgical intervention, but also those with a low risk who do not need to undergo treatment.
Simulation and visualisation
Hull is pioneering innovative applications of medical imaging for surgery and diagnosis, with examples including new methods for diagnosing heart problems such as heart failure and coronary artery diseases. A particular success story has been Vertual Ltd, a spin out company that enables trainee radiographers to practice their skills in a virtual replica of a radiation therapy room. VERT is now part of the national policy on fighting cancer and means that all trainee radiographers will learn how to treat cancer using this training system.
Magnetic resonance imaging
Hull has one of the largest Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) departments in the UK, with three scanners on site including one of the first whole-body capable systems in Europe. As well as delivering clinical services, the centre carries out ground breaking research funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research. This has led to Hull being the UK reference site for GE Healthcare for body imaging, which allows greater and earlier access to new software, hardware and technical support for continuing development of imaging.
Medical engineering and device development
The University of Hull's Centre for Medical Engineering and Technology's (CMET) expertise lies in the application of computer modelling techniques with a special focus on medical implants and bone. This expertise has led to a joint research project with Smith & Nephew - global leaders in the development of advanced medical devices - focusing on the creation of computer simulations to help develop improved designs for future orthopaedic devices.
Fracture plate
CMET has developed a new fracture plate for managing fracture of the femur following hip joint replacement, in a collaboration with orthopaedic surgeons at Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust. A prototype plate has been manufactured and tested successfully in the laboratory and partners are now being sought to exploit it further.
Bone biomechanics
Researchers at CMET are the leading group in the UK for the modelling of bone, with significant funding provided by the UK's three main research councils and many collaborators from around the world. Projects range from the modelling of basic bone cell activities through to predicting the behaviour of whole bones, in the normal and diseased state, for conditions such as osteoporosis and arthritis.
Oesophageal disorders
In April 2010 leading healthcare professionals from around the world gathered in Hull for a hugely successful three day conference on reflux disease, Reflux and its consequences: Key opinions in laryngeal, pulmonary and oesophageal manifestations. Emphasis was placed on state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques and therapies, with the opportunity to experience first hand the latest methods which have been developed.
Speech valve
CMET has been awarded a Department of Health 'New and Emerging Applications Technology' grant to develop a new generation of speech valves for use in patients who have had a laryngectomy. It is allowing researchers to optimise the new valve design and undertake a proof of concept trial, while preparing the product for market.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms
A joint project between CMET and the Vascular Laboratory at Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust is underway to use computer assisted diagnostics to predict the risk of rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms. The system will not only identify those patients with increased risk who require early surgical intervention, but also those with a low risk who do not need to undergo treatment.
Simulation and visualisation
Hull is pioneering innovative applications of medical imaging for surgery and diagnosis, with examples including new methods for diagnosing heart problems such as heart failure and coronary artery diseases. A particular success story has been Vertual Ltd, a spin out company that enables trainee radiographers to practice their skills in a virtual replica of a radiation therapy room. VERT is now part of the national policy on fighting cancer and means that all trainee radiographers will learn how to treat cancer using this training system.
Magnetic resonance imaging
Hull has one of the largest Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) departments in the UK, with three scanners on site including one of the first whole-body capable systems in Europe. As well as delivering clinical services, the centre carries out ground breaking research funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research. This has led to Hull being the UK reference site for GE Healthcare for body imaging, which allows greater and earlier access to new software, hardware and technical support for continuing development of imaging.