Takashi Ueta

Bio: Takashi Ueta is an academic researcher from University of Tokyo. The author has contributed to research in topics: Medicine & GPX4. The author has an hindex of 21, co-authored 79 publications receiving 1416 citations. Previous affiliations of Takashi Ueta include Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.

A parallel robot to assist vitreoretinal surgery.

Abstract: This paper describes the development and evaluation of a parallel prototype robot for vitreoretinal surgery where physiological hand tremor limits performance. The manipulator was specifically designed to meet requirements such as size, precision, and sterilization; this has six-degree-of-freedom parallel architecture and provides positioning accuracy with micrometer resolution within the eye. The manipulator is controlled by an operator with a “master manipulator” consisting of multiple joints. Results of the in vitro experiments revealed that when compared to the manual procedure, a higher stability and accuracy of tool positioning could be achieved using the prototype robot. This microsurgical system that we have developed has superior operability as compared to traditional manual procedure and has sufficient potential to be used clinically for vitreoretinal surgery.

Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning

Abstract: Probability Distributions.- Linear Models for Regression.- Linear Models for Classification.- Neural Networks.- Kernel Methods.- Sparse Kernel Machines.- Graphical Models.- Mixture Models and EM.- Approximate Inference.- Sampling Methods.- Continuous Latent Variables.- Sequential Data.- Combining Models.

Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography of the Choroid in Normal Eyes

Abstract: PURPOSE To measure macular choroidal thickness in normal eyes at different points using enhanced depth imaging (EDI) optical coherence tomography (OCT) and to evaluate the association of choroidal thickness and age. DESIGN Retrospective, observational case series. METHODS EDI OCT images were obtained in patients without significant retinal or choroidal pathologic features. The images were obtained by positioning a spectral-domain OCT device close enough to the eye to acquire an inverted image. Seven sections were obtained within a 5 x 30-degree area centered at the fovea, with 100 scans averaged for each section. The choroid was measured from the outer border of the retinal pigment epithelium to the inner scleral border at 500-microm intervals of a horizontal section from 3 mm temporal to the fovea to 3 mm nasal to the fovea. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate variations of choroidal thickness at each location and to correlate choroidal thickness and patient age. RESULTS The mean age of the 30 patients (54 eyes) was 50.4 years (range, 19 to 85 years), and 14 patients (46.7%) were female. The choroid was thickest underneath the fovea (mean, 287 microm; standard deviation, +/- 76 microm). Choroidal thickness decreased rapidly in the nasal direction and averaged 145 microm (+/- 57 microm) at 3 mm nasal to the fovea. Increasing age was correlated significantly with decreasing choroidal thickness at all points measured. Regression analysis suggested that the subfoveal choroidal thickness decreased by 15.6 microm for each decade of life. CONCLUSIONS Choroidal thickness seems to vary topographically within the posterior pole. The thickness of the choroid showed a negative correlation with age. The decrease in the thickness of the choroid may play a role in the pathophysiologic features of various age-related ocular conditions.

Biomedical applications of soft robotics

Abstract: Soft robotics enables the design of soft machines and devices at different scales. The compliance and mechanical properties of soft robots make them especially interesting for medical applications. Depending on the level of interaction with humans, different levels of biocompatibility and biomimicry are required for soft materials used in robots. In this Review, we investigate soft robots for biomedical applications, including soft tools for surgery, diagnosis and drug delivery, wearable and assistive devices, prostheses, artificial organs and tissue-mimicking active simulators for training and biomechanical studies. We highlight challenges regarding durability and reliability, and examine traditional and novel soft and active materials as well as different actuation strategies. Finally, we discuss future approaches and applications in the field. Soft robots have broad applications in medicine. In this Review, biomedical applications, including surgery, drug delivery, prostheses, wearable devices and artificial organs, are discussed in the context of materials, actuation strategies and challenges.