Chairholders
Profile
Carl-Éric Aubin
Department of Mechanical Engineering
École Polytechnique de Montréal
Chair title
NSERC/Medtronic Industrial Research Chair in Spine Biomechanics
Chair program
Industrial Research Chairs program
Role
Senior Chairholder since 2006
Summary
The spine is a complex structure that helps to ensure the posture balance, movement and protection of the spinal cord. Severe spinal deformities, traumas and degenerative pathologies are generally treated through instrument surgery consisting of osteosynthesis. These are invasive procedures that permanently restrict the movement of spinal segments and place major constraints on tissues and implants. Despite significant advances in medical technology, these surgeries remain fairly invasive and essentially empirical.
Over the past two Chair mandates, various digital models and assessment tools were developed to solve a number of these problems, including biomechanical studies of implant anchoring and optimization of implant configurations to implement corrective strategies. The research program for the next mandate is aimed at developing and applying engineering methods to:
- enhance the understanding of spinal column biomechanics in order to study new devices and post-surgical conditions;
- develop validated simulation tools to analyze and improve instrumentation techniques and surgical strategies, as well as developing instrumentation guidelines;
- develop and validate innovative tools for surgical planning, intraoperative assistance and postoperative monitoring of spinal pathologies.
Lastly, scientific advances will make it possible to meet the significant requirements of the orthopedic medical technology industry and transfer medical technology stemming from R&D activities to Medtronic of Canada, the Chair’s key partner, and transfer knowledge to users, who will benefit from these advances.
Partners
- Medtronic of Canada Ltd.
- CHU Sainte-Justine
Contact information
Department of Mechanical Engineering
École Polytechnique de Montréal
Email: carl-eric.aubin@polymtl.ca
Website:
http://www.polymtl.ca/recherche/rc/professeurs/details.php?NoProf=194
