Keynote Speakers

Michael Friebe

IEEE EMBS Distinguished Lecturer

Technical University of Munich, Germany

Title: What does it need to take to avoid developing “wrong” Medical Technology products/services?

Abstract:  Healthcare will change dramatically in the next 20 years with the emergence of artificial intelligence (including machine and deep learning), 3D printing, personalised diagnosis and therapies, shift from therapy to prevention, and many related delivery and economic changes. Huge opportunities are present in emerging and developing nations … with completely different needs and infrastructural environments than we are used to have in Europe or the US … these also could be examples for reverse innovation. The talk will present the product and technology approach and some recent examples of the chair of catheter technologies and image guided therapies that focusses on joint product developments between clinicians and engineers leading to the question of what are good versus bad value propositions for Medical Technology Products?.

Biography:   Michael Friebe’s expertise is in diagnostic imaging + image guided therapies, as founder/innovator/CEO/investor, and scientist. After a BSc. in electrical eng. he spend 5 years in San Francisco as R&D Engineer at a MRI and Ultrasound device manufacturer. In that time he graduated with a MSc. in Technology Management from Golden Gate University, San Francisco. Back in Germany he started his first company (Mobile MRI) and worked in parallel on his PhD in Medical Physics (University Witten, Germany, 1995). He has started more than 15 companies, 5 as major shareholder/CEO. He is very enthusiastic about teaching innovation generation and MedTec entrepreneurship. Dr. Friebe currently is a research fellow of TUM, Munich and a professor of Image Guided Therapies at Otto-von-Guericke-University in Magdeburg, Germany, listed inventor of more than 80 patents, author of >100 papers, board member of four medical technology startup companies, and an investment partner of a MedTec investment-fund. Since 2016 he is also a Distinguished Lecturer of the IEEE EMBS.

Michela Chiappalone

Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies (NBT) –> Rehab Technologies

Italian Institute of Technology (IIT)

Title:  Closed-loop electrophysiology: from in vitro to in vivo studies

Abstract:  Starting from the 20s, researchers have begun to explore the possibility to create ‘hybrid’ systems in vitro at the interface between neuroscience and robotics, thus providing an excellent test bed for modulation of neuronal tissue and forming the basis of future adaptive, bi-directional Brain Machine Interfaces and Prostheses. The first-ever in vitro closed-loop system consisted of a lamprey brainstem bi-directionally connected to a small wheeled robot. Inspired by that pioneering study, we developed a bi-directional system involving neocortical networks grown on Micro Electrode Arrays and a small robot. A closed-loop paradigm was also exploited to develop the proof of concept for an in vitro ‘brain-prosthesis’, aimed at restoring damaged neuronal connections. Similar technological approaches can be applied to more complex systems in vivo for promoting post-injury neuroplasticity. Examples and applications will be introduced and discussed.

Biography: M. Chiappalone is an expert in Neurotechnology: shegraduated in Electronic Engineering (summa cum laude) in 1999 and obtained a PhD in Electronic Engineering and Computer Science from University of Genova (Italy) in 2003. In 2002 she has been visiting scholar at the Dept of Physiology, Northwestern University (Chicago, IL, USA), supervised by Prof FA Mussa-Ivaldi. After a Post Doc at the University of Genova, in 2007 she joined Neuroscience and Brain Technologies Deptat the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia(IIT) as a Post Doc. In 2013she got a group leader position (‘Researcher’) in the same Institution. In 2015 she has been visiting Professor at the KUMED (Kansas City, KS, USA), hosted by Prof. RJ Nudo.From 2012 to 2015 M. Chiappalone has been Coordinator of the FET Open European Project BrainBow, judged excellent. In 2014 she got the national scientific habilitation as Associate Professor in Bioengineering. In 2017, M. Chiappalone joined the Rehab Technologies facility of IIT to lead a group aimed at interfacing robotic devices with the nervous system with applications in neuroprosthetics and neurorehabilitation.

Sri Krishnan

Associate Dean (Research and External Partnerships)

Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science

Professor and Canada Research Chair in Biomedical Signal Analysis,

Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada

Title:  Advances in Biomedical Signal Analysis

Abstract:  This talk will cover historical and state-of-the-art developments in signal processing techniques applied to biomedicine. Most of the real world signals possess non-stationary and non-linear characteristics. Information processing and feature extraction from these signals is a challenging task. This talk will focus on five generations of signal processing algorithms developed for analysis and interpretation of biomedical signals. The talk will touch upon event analysis, spectral analysis, time-frequency domain analysis and multi-modal biomedical signal processing. Recent advances in using sparse signal representation and compressive sensing of long-term signals from wearables will also be covered. The application of the extraction and classification of features from cardiac signals, bio-acoustical signals, and sleep signals will be discussed in detail.

Biography: Sridhar (Sri) Krishnan joined Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada in 1999 and since October 2007 he has been appointed as a Canada Research Chair in Biomedical Signal Analysis. Sri Krishnan has published 290 papers in refereed journals and conferences, and six of his papers have won best paper awards. He is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering. Sri Krishnan is a recipient of many awards including the 2016 Outstanding Canadian Biomedical Engineer Award,  2013 Achievement in Innovation Award from Innovate Calgary, 2011 Sarwan Sahota Distinguished Scholar Award, 2007 Young Engineer Achievement Award from Engineers Canada.

V.R. Singh

IEEE Fellow

IEEE EMBS/IMS Delhi chair

National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi, India

Title: Advanced Nano-Sensors, Bio-Devices and Biomedical Systems for U-Health Care

Abstract:  With the advancement of technology, newer and newer sensors and instrumentation systems are being developed, day by day, for various industrial, scientific and biomedical applications. However, new sensor systems are still required to be developed further for quicker and reliable diagnosis of a particular disease and its appropriate treatment in time.
In the present talk, advanced nano-sensors, bio-devices and biomedical systems are discussed for ubiquitous health care applications. Point-of care.(POC) devices and bio-chips based sensors are described with design and fabrication aspects and their quick bedside applications. Design and development of nano-bio- sensors and biomedical instrumentation systems are presented for environmental control for better health care. Case studies of cancer nano-technology and telehealth care of patients, particularly old age people living in isolated remote areas, are given.
RFID Chips and Wireless Sensor Networking (WSN) are used, along with these sensor systems, for ubiquitous health care applications in different environments, any where, any time for any one. This contribution would be a new direction in the field of biomedical engineering for monitoring and control of health condition in a better way.

Biography:   Prof. V.R.Singh, Ph.D. (IIT-Delhi), 1974: Fellow-IEEE/EMBS-IMS, F-IETE, F-IE-I, F-ASI/USI, F-IFDUMB has 35 yrs of research-cum-teaching experience in India and other foreign countries; has been working at National Physical Lab, New Delhi, as a Scientist/Director/Distinguished Researcher/Head- Instrumentation, Sensors and Biomedical Measurements and Standards; has over 250 papers, 150 talks, 4 books, 14 patents, 30 consultancies and 22 PhDs. He is Associate Editor of IEEE Trans on Instrum and Measurements and is on Editorial Boards of Sensors and Transducers J (Europe) and Int J Onlinne Engg (Austria); as well as on the Editorial Review Committees of various other journals like Sensors and Actuators (Switzerland), IEEE Trans, J Computers in Elect Engg (USA), J.Instn Electr Telecom Engrs, J.Instn Engrs -India, Ind J Pure and Appl Physics, J.of Instrm Soc Ind, J. Pure and Appl Ultrasonics, J. Life Science Engg, etc He is the recipient of awards by INSA 1974, NPL 1973, Thapar Trust 1983, ICMR 1984; Japan Soc. Ultr in Medicine 1985, Asian Fed Soc Ultr in Med and Biology 1987, IE-I 1988/ 1991 and IEEE-EMBS 1999. He is the Chairman of IEEE-Delhi and Chair of IEEE-EMBS/IMS-Delhi chapters and Vice President of Ultrasonic Society of India. Presently, Dr Singh is a Distinguished Professor at NPL, New Delhi, India, as well as has been a visiting Professor at Korea University, South Korea. His main areas of interest are sensors and transducers, biomedical instrumentation and nano-electronics, cancer research.

Habib Zaidi

IEEE Fellow

PET Instrumentation and Neurosciences Laboratory (PinLab)

Geneva University Hospital, Switzerland

Title: Multimodality molecular imaging: Paving the way for personalized medicine

Abstract:  Early diagnosis and therapy increasingly operate at the cellular, molecular or even at the genetic level. As diagnostic techniques transition from the systems to the molecular level, the role of multimodality molecular imaging becomes increasingly important. Positron emission tomography (PET), x-ray computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are powerful techniques for in vivo imaging. The inability of PET to provide anatomical information is a major limitation of standalone PET systems. Combining PET and CT proved to be clinically relevant and successfully reduced this limitation by providing the anatomical information required for localization of metabolic abnormalities. However, this technology still lacks the excellent soft-tissue contrast provided by MRI. Standalone MRI systems reveal structure and function, but cannot provide insight into the physiology and/or the pathology at the molecular level. The combination of PET and MRI, enabling truly simultaneous acquisition, bridges the gap between molecular and systems diagnosis. MRI and PET offer richly complementary functionality and sensitivity; fusion into a combined system offering simultaneous acquisition will capitalize the strengths of each, providing a hybrid technology that is greatly superior to the sum of its parts. However, the technology suffers from a number of drawbacks that will be discussed in this lecture.
This talk also reflects the tremendous increase in interest in quantitative molecular imaging using PET as both clinical and research imaging modality in the past decade. It offers a brief overview of the entire range of quantitative PET imaging from basic principles to various steps required for obtaining quantitatively accurate data from dedicated standalone PET and combined PET/CT and PET/MR systems including algorithms used to correct for physical degrading factors and to quantify tracer uptake and volume for radiation therapy treatment planning. Future opportunities and the challenges facing the adoption of multimodality imaging technologies and their role in biomedical research will also be addressed.

Biography:  Professor Habib Zaidi is Chief physicist and head of the PET Instrumentation & Neuroimaging Laboratory at Geneva University Hospital and faculty member at the medical school of Geneva University. He is also a Professor of Medical Physics at the University of Groningen (Netherlands), Adjunct Professor of Medical Physics and Molecular Imaging at the University of Southern Denmark, Adjunct Professor of Medical Physics at Shahid Beheshti University and visiting Professor at IAS/University Cergy-Pontoise (France). He is actively involved in developing imaging solutions for cutting-edge interdisciplinary biomedical research and clinical diagnosis in addition to lecturing undergraduate and postgraduate courses on medical physics and medical imaging. His research is supported by the Swiss National Foundation, private foundations and industry (Total 6M US$) and centres on hybrid imaging instrumentation (PET/CT and PET/MRI), modelling medical imaging systems using the Monte Carlo method, development of computational anatomical models and radiation dosimetry, image correction, reconstruction, quantification and kinetic modelling techniques in emission tomography as well as statistical image analysis in molecular brain and oncologic imaging, and more recently on novel design of dedicated PET and PET/MRI scanners. He was guest editor for 10 special issues of peer-reviewed journals dedicated to Medical Image Segmentation, PET Instrumentation and Novel Quantitative Techniques, Computational Anthropomorphic Anatomical Models,Respiratory and Cardiac Gating in PET Imaging,Evolving medical imaging techniques, Trends in PET quantification (2 parts),PET/MRI Instrumentation and Quantitative Procedures and Clinical Applications,andNuclear Medicine Physics & Instrumentation and serves as Senior Editor for the British Journal of Radiology and member of the editorial board of Medical Physics, Nuclear Medicine Communications,Clinical and Translational Imaging, American Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, International Journal of Molecular Imaging, Biomedical Imaging and Intervention Journal, International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Consumer Health Informatics and Medical Physics Journal. He is also serves as Associate Editor for theInternational Journal of Biomedical Imaging, the International Journal of Tomography & Simulation and the Journal of Engineering & Applied Sciences and scientific reviewer for leading journals in medical imaging. He has been elected as senior member of the IEEE and liaison representative of the International Organization for Medical Physics (IOMP) to the World Health Organization (WHO) in addition to being affiliated to several International medical physics and nuclear medicine organisations. He is developer of physics web-based instructional modules for the RSNA and Editor of IPEM’s Nuclear Medicine web-based instructional modules. He is also He is involved in the evaluation of research proposals for European and International granting organisations and participates in the organisation of International symposia and top conferences as member of scientific committees. His academic accomplishments in the area of quantitative PET imaging have been well recognized by his peers and by the medical imaging community at large since he is a recipient of many awards and distinctions among which the prestigious 2003 Young Investigator Medical Imaging Science Award given by the Nuclear Medical and Imaging Sciences Technical Committee of the IEEE, the 2004 Mark Tetalman Memorial Award given by the Society of Nuclear Medicine, the 2007 Young Scientist Prize in Biological Physics given by the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP), the prestigious (100’000$) 2010 kuwait Prize of Applied sciences (known as the Middle Eastern Nobel Prize) given by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) for “outstanding accomplishments in Biomedical technology”, the 2013 John S. Laughlin Young Scientist Award given by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), the 2013 Vikram Sarabhai Oration Award given by the Society of Nuclear Medicine, India (SNMI), the 2015 Sir Godfrey Hounsfield Award given by the British Institute of Radiology (BIR) and the 2017 IBA-Europhysics Prize given by the European Physical Society (EPS). Prof. Zaidi has been an invited speaker of over 130 keynote lectures and talks at an International level, has authored over 490 publications, including 232 peer-reviewed journal articles in prominent journals (ISI-h index=38 ‒ Web of Science™, >9’350+ citations ‒ Google scholar), 226 conference proceedings and 32 book chapters and is the editor of three textbooks on Therapeutic Applications of Monte Carlo Calculations in Nuclear Medicine, Quantitative Analysis in Nuclear Medicine Imaging and Molecular Imaging of Small Animals.

Marius George Linguraru

IEEE EMBS Distinguished Lecturer

Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation

Washington DC, USA

Title: Digital Dysmorphology for Diverse Populations with Genetic Syndromes

Abstract:  Genetic syndromes are the most common causes of cognitive impairment. Each year, nearly one million children are born with a genetic condition. These children experience a high incidence of serious medical complications and intellectual disability that require immediate treatment. Genetic conditions often present clinically with universally recognizable signs and symptoms, including recurring patterns of malformations on the face and body that are pathogenetically related. These patterns can be obvious or very subtle and manifest differently with age and ethnic background. However, quantitative facial measurements are not available to primary care physicians, pediatricians and neonatologist, nor are they performed in a standardized and reproducible fashion by geneticists. Delayed and erroneous diagnoses can cause significant suffering, irreversible injury, and even death.
The talk will present recent advancements in quantitative imaging, shape modeling and digital facial analysis to detect dysmorphology with a focus on computational modeling methods that integrate anatomical and imaging priors for the study of the variability of human anatomy. Developed at the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation at Children’s National Health Center, mGene is a non-invasive, smart phone application that identifies a wide array of genetic syndromes. The technology detects specific, clinically-proven markers of these disorders using objective and quantitative evaluation enhanced by machine learning. Working with the NIH National Human Genome Research Institute, we demonstrated widespread potential applicability of digital dysmorphology to diverse populations with genetic conditions with distinctive dysmorphic features. mGene promises to make sophisticated genetic expertise accessible in areas without specialized genetic clinics, typically unavailable in community hospitals and the developing world.

Biography: Marius George Linguraru, DPhil loves working with multidisciplinary teams of clinicians, scientists and engineers to help children grow healthy and happy. He is Principal Investigator in the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation at Children’s National Health System, and Associate Professor of Radiology and Pediatrics at the School of Medicine and Health Sciences of George Washington University in Washington, DC. At the Sheikh Zayed Institute, Dr. Linguraru founded and directs the Quantitative Imaging Group that is creating the next paradigms in healthcare through image analysis and software-based technology that is objective, robust and widely accessible. He joined the Sheikh Zayed Institute from the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, where he maintains an appointment as Associate Investigator. Dr. Linguraru is the Chair of the Technical Committee for Biomedical Imaging and Image Processing and a Distinguished Lecturer of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including a prize for Excellence in Engineering by a Younger Engineer at the Houses of Parliament in London, UK. He completed his doctorate at the University of Oxford and holds masters degrees in science and in arts from the University of Sibiu, Romania. He held fellowships at the French National Institute of Research in Computer Sciences and Applied Mathematics and at Harvard University.