The Research Center for Biomedical Engineering (RCBE) of the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia (FTUI), organized a Seminar Series on “Prosthetic Surgery” on June 21, 2024, in the Smart Meeting Room, FTUI Dean’s Building. This seminar featured Prof. Paul Cederna, Robert Oneal Professor of Plastic Surgery, Head of the Plastic Surgery Division, and Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan.
In this seminar, Prof. Cederna discussed various challenges and recent advancements in the field of prosthetic surgery, particularly related to the use of upper limb prosthetics. He explained that one of the main issues in the use of upper limb prosthetics is the difficulty in creating a comfortable and reliable control system for prosthetic hand and finger movements.
“The primary issue in using upper limb prosthetics is obtaining accurate nerve signals from the residual limb to be used as control inputs,” explained Prof. Cederna. “These nerve signals are then processed and translated into movements of the prosthetic hand and fingers.”
Prof. Cederna introduced the RPNI (Reinnervated Peripheral Nerve Interface) method as an innovative solution to address this problem. The RPNI method involves wrapping muscle tissue (muscle cuff) around the nerves of the arm or leg and connecting it to implantable intramuscular electrodes (IIE) to receive nerve signals. The RPNI method produces more accurate and stable amplified nerve signals, providing better input for controlling the prosthetic hand.
Prof. Cederna also presented experimental results of arm prostheses using the RPNI method, demonstrating its advantages over the surface EMG method. He explained that the RPNI method could be applied as a driver for exoskeletons (referred to as muscle cuff RPNI) to assist patients with muscle weakness or paralysis.
Additionally, Siti Fauziyah Rahman, S.T., M. Eng., Ph.D., Head of RCBE FTUI, expressed her appreciation for Prof. Cederna’s presence and the enthusiasm of the seminar participants. She hoped that this seminar would provide new insights and knowledge for the participants, especially in the field of prosthetic surgery and the development of advanced prosthetic technology.
On a separate occasion, the Dean of FTUI, Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermasnyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU, stated, “This seminar is a valuable opportunity for FTUI academics and students in the biomedical engineering field to learn about the latest advancements in prosthetic surgery. Hopefully, it will inspire FTUI academics and students to engage in the development of more innovative prosthetic technology in the future.”
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Public Communication Office
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia
