[10] Dr. Yoichi Haga & Dr. Makoto Ohta

Dr. Yoichi Haga

Technology

Development of minimally invasive medical and healthcare devices leveraging micro- and nanomachining technologies
Integration of microfabrication technologies such as micromachining, nanotechnology, and MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems)

Strength

Enabling low-burden examinations and treatments for patients using endoscopes and catheters, as well as the development and training of safe treatment methods

Use Case

Development of small, high-performance, multi-functional, minimally invasive medical devices such as endoscopes, catheters, and surgical instruments
By inserting thin medical devices like endoscopes and catheters into the body without large incisions, it is possible to perform examinations and treatments comparable to conventional surgeries

Development of organ models with built-in sensors for precise measurement of effects on the human body
Organ models designed for verifying the effectiveness of medical devices and for surgical training. Equipped with microsensors capable of precisely measuring pressure changes and tissue deformation, these models enable accurate simulation of impacts on the human body


Dr. Makoto Ohta

Technology

Technology for measuring and simulating blood flow conditions through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis

Strength

Enables the quantitative evaluation and simulation of the effects of drugs, medical devices, and procedures targeting blood vessels.
Contributes to the development of therapeutic drugs and medical devices as well as the improvement of surgical techniques for physicians

Use Case

Measurement of the effects of therapeutic drugs and medical devices on blood flow in blood vessels
The development of new therapeutic drugs and devices requires an objective evaluation process to assess their performance and safety. This technology particularly contributes to the development of therapeutic products targeting blood flow

Development of organ models with mechanical properties similar to blood vessels
Organ models designed for verifying the effectiveness of medical devices and for surgical training. These models, created using 3D printing and other techniques, replicate the physical properties of human blood vessels, bones, and other organs, enabling the engineering (numerical) evaluation of surgical techniques and medical device characteristics

Business Model Examples

This section shows examples of companies using this technology for its businesses. The sections is intened for illustrating how the technology is used in the real world as food for thoughs for the applicants. Applicants doesn't necessarily follow the exact business model when developing their own business ideas.

Blue Practice Inc

Business Contents

Development of Bionic Humanoids: Sophisticated Medical Models with Built-In Sensors
The vascular model incorporates sensors capable of detecting internal pressure, wall stress, and shape changes of blood vessels at micro-level precision. This data is then visualized numerically for detailed analysis

Social Issues

Until now, Doctors have had no choice but to learn catheter insertion through observation, leading to variations in individual skill levels

Solution

By training with a vascular model and simultaneously quantifying the conditions inside the vessel, it becomes possible to objectively identify areas for improvement, such as where the catheter gets stuck and how to insert it more effectively

Value

This approach enhances doctors' training motivation and contributes to further skill development for veteran physicians

Message from the Lab

What We Want to Know

Graduate school of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Professor

Prof. Yoichi Haga, M.D., Ph.D.

Tohoku University, Institute of Fluid Science, Professor

Prof. Makoto Ohta

The demand for vascular models and the background situation in hospitals, medical device manufacturers, and evaluation agencies across various countries

Desired Candidate Profile

  • Students interested in or experienced in business related to medicine and pharmaceuticals
  • Medical students who intend to work at or have experience working in university hospitals

Reference