Instrumented Medical Implant Design

Do you have an interest electronics / robotics / sensors? Would you like to work as part of a multidisciplinary team to realise a revolutionary step in orthopaedic surgery?<br /> <br /> Around 10-15% of knee joint replacements fail by 10 years needing revision which is costly and usually associated with inferior outcome. Number of revisions in the young and active patients is up to 15-times higher. New implants are developed for improving function and longevity. However, in-vitro testing provides limited and at times misleading information. Past two decades have witnessed introduction of implants which have not lived up to their expectations and associated with higher failure rates. In-vivo testing and early diagnosis of a &ldquo;failing joint&rdquo; are essential to understand which technologies could be introduced into routine practice. <br /> <br /> Hypothesis <br /> <br /> This PhD will study aspects of a self-contained instrumented medical implant capable of measuring various physical parameters (e.g. force, motion and temperature) the device is targeted at joint replacement (e.g. hip and knee). Possible applications include: early detection of poorly performing implants, assist patients interaction with their recovery, This will provide improved post-operative care with greater convenience to the patient and reduced burden on healthcare services. <br /> <br /> Aims and Objectives<br /> <br /> 1. Explore the strain force relationship for polyethylene embedded components.<br /> 2. Analyse power transfer or energy harvesting strategies including depth dependence. <br /> 3. Develop novel embedded systems frameworks to minimise data storage.<br /> 4. Study security encryption to ensure compliance with regulatory framework and patient confidentiality. <br />

<p style="margin-bottom:11px">Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University&#39;s website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>EPSRC DTP Engineering &amp; Physical Sciences</strong></em> (if you do not apply to this programme code, your application will not be considered) and in the research information section&nbsp;that the research degree you wish to be considered for is&nbsp;<em><strong>Instrumented Medical Implant Design</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/electronic-engineering/staff/306/professor-steven-freear">Professor Steven Freear</a>&nbsp;as your proposed supervisor. Please state in the Finance section that the funding source you are applying for is <em><strong>EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership 2024/25: Electronic &amp; Electrical Engineering.</strong></em></p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University&#39;s minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date. &nbsp;Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. &nbsp;We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of 29 April 2024:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

Applicants to this research degree programme should have at least a first class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p style="margin-bottom:11px">A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship offering the award of fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant of &pound;19,237 per year for 3.5 years.&nbsp; Training and support will also be provided.</p> <p>This opportunity is open to UK applicants only.&nbsp; All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p>Please refer to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a>&nbsp;website for&nbsp;information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p style="margin-bottom:11px">For further information about this project, please contact Professor Steven Freear by email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:S.Freear@leeds.ac.uk">S.Freear@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>