1. Personal details
Name: Laura Cercenelli
Nationality: Italian
Place and
date of birth: Jesi (AN), Italy,
08/11/1978
Adress: Via
Zaccherini Alvisi– 40138 Bologna
Phone number: +39
349 8635762
E-mail: laura.cercenelli@unibo.it
Actual
Affiliation eDIMES Lab -
Laboratory of Bioengineering,
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna,
Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna. Italy
Actual Position:
-
Adjunct
Professor at Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Bologna;
-
Permanent employment contract as a technician at
eDIMES Lab, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of
Bologna.
2. Education
·
2003: Master Degree (Italian Laurea) in Biomedical
Engineering at the Polytechnic of Milano, Italy (100/100 cum laude).
·
2004: Professional Master (I Level) Degree in Informatic
technologies for the analysis and processing of biomedical images, at University
of Camerino (MC, Italy) and I.N.R.C.A. (Istituto Nazionale Riposo e Cura
Anziani) of Ancona (Italy).
·
2006: PhD Degree in Electromagnetism and
Bioengineering at Marche Polytechnic University, in consortium with University
of Bologna.
·
2018: Certified Master Degree in Quality Management
Systems for medical device companies (organized by MIDI GROUP, ISO 9001: 2015
Certified High Professional Training Company, ACCREDIA and ISO 29990: 2011
ACCREDIA):
o
Certificate of qualification as Auditor / Lead Auditor
of Quality Management Systems in accordance with ISO 9001: 2015-Ric. AICQ-SICEV
(accredited by Accredia);
o
Certificate of qualification as Quality Assurance
Specialist for Medical Devices and In Vitro Diagnostics; Certificate of
qualification of Internal Auditor of Quality Management Systems within the DM
(pursuant to ISO 13485: 2016);
o
Training certificate for MDSAP (Medical Device Single
Audit Program).
3. Professional Experience
·
2006-2007: Research
Fellow at the Surgery and Transplantation Department, University of Bologna. Research Project: “Development and in vivo
experimental evaluation of a device for monitoring cardiac function”
·
2008-2013: Research
Fellow at the Clinical Department of Radiologic and Hystocytopathologic
Sciences, University of Bologna. Research
Project: “Study of new indices and new methodologies associated with the use of
implantable cardiac devices for monitoring heart failure”
·
2014-2017: Research
Fellow at the Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine Department
(DIMES) of the School of Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna (Italy). Research Project: “Study and prototype
development of new sensor systems for monitoring cardiac mechanics”
·
2017-2019: Research
Fellow at the Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences of the School of
Medicine, University of Bologna. Research
Project: “Video Optical See-Through Augmented Reality Surgical System”).
·
2019-2020: Coordinated
and Continuous Collaboration with Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor
Sciences (DIBINEM) of the School of Medicine, University of Bologna. Research Project: "Clinical trial of
the VOSTARS (Video Optical See-Through Augmented Reality Surgical System)
augmented reality wearable device for surgical guide".
·
2020-2021: Coordinated
and Continuous Collaboration with Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty
Medicine Department (DIMES) of the School of Medicine, University of Bologna. Research Project: " Support activities for research and teaching projects
for the 3D Area and the SimVR Area of the eDIMESLab”
·
Since October
2021: Permanent
employment contract as technician, at eDIMES Lab, Department of Experimental
Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna.
·
Since 2017: Adjunct
Professor at the School of Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna (Italy).
4. Scientific activity
Main research topics
-
Implantable sensors for cardiac function monitoring
-
Sensorized prosthetic heart valves
-
Technologies for patient-specific simulation in
medical education
-
Patient-specific 3D modelling and 3D printing for
pre-operative planning
-
Virtual and augmented reality in medicine
Other
-
Eye tracking systems
-
Robotic systems for interventional cardiac procedures
-
Cardiac monitoring by non-invasive wearable systems
•
Implantable
sensors for monitoring cardio-pulmonary mechanics
The research
activity is addressed to the study, development and in vitro/in vivo animal
evaluation of new implantable sensors for the continuous monitoring of
cardio-pulmonary function. The aim is to provide innovative tools to early
detect any cardiac function impairment in patients with cardiovascular disease,
including Heart Failure, and therefore to allow early therapeutic actions for
these patients.
•
Sensorized
prosthetic heart valves
The research is addressed to
study and develop innovative sensorized prosthetic heart valves, based on the
integration of miniaturized electrodes and electronic circuits into the
prosthesis structure to continuously monitor the valve leaflet motion,
therefore the valve functionality after implantation, specifically using an
impedance-based sensing principle.
•
Technologies
for patient-specific simulation in medical education
The research activity is
addressed to evaluate sophisticated patient-specific virtual reality simulators
for endovascular (EVAR) procedures, more specifically to study their efficacy
for pre-operative planning and for boosting the learning curve of trainees in
vascular surgery.
The activity is also focused
on the study of algorithms/models to predict vessel deformations during EVAR
procedures due to interaction with interventional devices, aimed at improving
fidelity of virtual reality simulators.
The research
is carried out in collaboration with U.O. Vascular Surgery of S.Orsola-Malpighi
Hospital in Bologna.
•
3D modeling
and 3D printing of anatomical models
The research activity
is addressed to create 3D virtual anatomical models from diagnostic images (TC,
cone beam, RMN) using dedicated software for image segmentation and processing of
3D volumes. The virtual models can be converted in .stl files intended for 3D
printers. The obtained 3D models (virtual and printed), intuitive and very
informative, allow the surgeon to better understand anatomic relationships and
structures of surgical interest (such as vascularization, position and
extension of tumors), therefore to carefully plan the optimal intervention
strategy. Moreover, the 3D printed models may be useful for education and
improved patient understanding of surgical procedures.
The research
is carried out in collaboration with various areas of specialized surgery (vascular,
maxillofacial, urological, cardiac surgeries) of S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital in
Bologna.
•
Virtual and Augmented
Reality in Medicine
Another field
of study concerns the application of technologies based on augmented reality
(AR) for the creation of innovative intraoperative guidance systems that offer
the surgeon the possibility of "increasing" his vision of the
operating field with digital information content, such as ex. patient imaging,
superimposed and appropriately recorded in natural vision [IA.24, IA.26, I.38].
The research is carried out in collaboration with the U.O of Maxillofacial
Surgery of the University Hospital of Bologna Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi.
•
Eye tracking
systems
The research
activity is addressed to study and develop new software tools to ease the use
of eye tracking systems in the clinical ophthalmology practice to quantify the
oculomotor behavior in subjects with normal vision, as well as in patients with
ophthalmologic diseases.
The research
is carried out in collaboration with U.O. Ophthalmology of S.Orsola-Malpighi
Hospital in Bologna.
•
Robotic
systems for interventional cardiac procedures
The research activity
has been addressed to the study and development of new robotic systems for
remote handling of catheters in the cardiovascular system during interventional
cardiac procedures performed under fluoroscopic guidance. These robotic systems
are intended for reducing/avoiding X-ray exposure for the operator and for
ensuring a more repeatable and reproducible maneuvering of catheters if
compared with manual handling.
•
Cardiac
monitoring by non-invasive wearable systems
The research
activity is focused on the study and development of new systems for
non-invasive cardio-respiratory monitoring: systems based on non-contact Ultra
Wide Band radar technologies for vital signs monitoring in critical life
conditions such as in space station life; innovative multi-sensor wearable
patch systems for monitoring the electro-mechanical cardiac activity in
patients with cardiac diseases.
4.1. Research Projects
Laura
Cercenelli has taken part in the following research projects:
·
National Research Project (PRIN2005) “Development and
in vivo experimental evaluation of a device for cardiac function monitoring”;
·
NIMURRA project “Non-invasive monitoring by ultra wide
band (UWB) radar of respiratory activity of people inside a spatial environment”
– ASI (Italian Space Agency) call for ideas: "Biotechnology for Human
Space Exploration" 2010;
·
Focused Fundamental Research (RFO) Project, University
of Bologna (from 1999 to 2013);
·
Experimental research projects involving in vivo
testing on animals (sheep) of innovative implantable devices for cardiac
applications (from 2007 to 2013);
·
VOSTARS (Video Optical See-Through Augmented Reality
surgical System): EU- H2020-ICT-2016-1 Project (01/12/2016-30/11/2019).
5. Other scientific activities
5.1. Reviewer activity
Technical Reviewer for
journals:
-
Medical Engineering&Physics;
-
ASAIO Journal;
-
Journal of Personalized Medicine;
-
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology;
-
Sensors;
-
Scientific Report;
-
Journal of Mechanics in Medicine and Biology;
-
IEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics;
-
Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine;
-
International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology
and Surgery;
Technical Reviewer for
conference papers:
·
6th International Conference on Biomedical Engineering
and Biotechnology (ICBEB 2017);
·
Poster Track ISMAR 2022: 21st IEEE International
Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality.
5.2. Editorial activity
Editorial Board membership
- Medical Devices: Evidence and Research (Role: Editorial Board Member);
- Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology (Role: Review Editor) [Feb 2020-Aug 2022 for Section “Bionics and Biomimetics”; since Aug 2022 for Section “Biosensors and Biomolecular Electronics”];
- Sensors (Role: Topical Advisory Panel Member);
- Applied Sciences (Role: Editorial Board Member).
Guest/Topic Editor:
·
Sensors (Special
Issue: “Novel Implantable Sensors and Biomedical Applications”- 2022);
- Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology (Research Topic: “Extended Reality in medical practice: innovative applications, challenges and prospects” – 2022-2023).
6. Collaborations with Industry
·
From 2004-2006: research activity on new technologies
in cardiology (implantable cardiac devices) for the company “TRE ESSE
Progettazione Biomedica s.r.l.”, Bologna; involvement in research consulting
activities for “Sorin Biomedica Cardio s.r.l.”
Since 2010: Research activity as part of agreements
between the University of Bologna and biomedical companies, about:
-
the study on requirements and the high-level design of
advanced and innovative user interface for CRRT (Continuous Renal Replacement
Therapy)/PLASMA management/Decapneization device (with Medicon Ingegneria
S.r.l.)
-
the study on Minute Ventilation monitoring in
implantable cardiac devices (with Medico S.p.A.).
7. Academic activity
7.1. Teaching activity
·
Since 2020 to now: teaching of “Computer Science” (First cycle
degree programme in “Orthopaedics techniques”; First cycle degree programme in
“Dietistic” at School of Medicine of University of Bologna).
·
2017/2018: teaching of “Computer Science” (First cycle
degree programme in “Orthopaedics techniques” at School of Medicine of
University of Bologna).
·
Since 2004 she has supported the preparation of
teaching material for Degree Courses at School of Medicine of University of
Bologna: “Bioelectronics and Informatics” (Neurophysiopathology Techniques);
“Instrumentation” (Orthoptic and Ophthalmologic Assistance); “Electrical and
electronic measurements” (Neurophysiopathology Techniques); “Industrial Bioengineering” (Podology).
·
From 2005 to 2008 she hold seminars on image
processing techniques for the analysis of retinographic images for the Professional Master
(I Level) “Informatic technologies for the analysis and processing of
biomedical images” organized by University of Camerino and I.N.R.C.A. (Istituto
Nazionale Riposo e Cura Anziani).
- Teachings/courses as part of University Masters:
- 2019-2020: Lecture: “From medical imaging to anatomical 3D models” (Annual Master “Innovation in eXtended Reality” – University of Bologna);
- 2021-2022: Lecture: “Biomedical Technologies” - Second level University Master's Degree "Clinical Engineering and Medical Devices"
7.2. Supervision/tutoring of Master students
Since 2005
she has carried out supervision/tutoring activity for students of Master Degree
in Biomedical Engineering (20 thesis), in Electronic/Mechanical Engineering (6 thesis)
and in Medicine&Surgery (2 thesis). Co-supervisor of 7 PhD projects of the PhD Programme: “Surgical Sciences and Innovative Technologies”, University of Bologna.
8. Publications
N. Publications (Scopus, Oct 2023): 80;
H-Index (Scopus, Oct 2023): 19
N. Citations (Scopus, Oct 2023): 794
9. Awards
- 2007: Recognition by ADI (Association of PhD students and doctors of research in Italy) for finalist project ("CathROB: Robot for remote navigation of cardiovascular catheters") in the "Dot2B Expo" event, in the context of Research to Business 2007 (Bologna).
- 2010: 1st Place prize “ANMDO Environmental Sustainability”, at the “7th National Conference on ANMDO Operating Rooms”, Rome 19 to 22 October 2010, for the paper title “Systems controlled mechanical ventilation with heat recovery active".Pedrini, R. Giannoni, M. Musaico, L. Cercenelli, E. Marcelli. Award Environment, Public Health & Hospital, N 3/4, July-December 2010, pp . 6-11.D.
- 2015: 2st Place prize “ESAO Poster Award” at the “XLII Annual ESAO Congress”, 2-5 September 2015, Leuven, Belgium, for the poster titled “Intravalvular impedance sensor for next-generation smart prosthetic heart valves”. E. Marcelli, L. Cercenelli.
- 2019: "Eye Catcher Company Project" award as part of the ReActor program "School of entrepreneurship and innovation for scientists and researchers", organized by the Golinelli Foundation - Bologna.
- 2023: “Best FULL Paper” Award by Springer (XR Salento 2023 international conference on eXtended Reality, Lecce 6-9 Settembre 2023). L. Cercenelli, N. Emiliani, C. Gulotta, M. Bevini, G. Badiali, E. Marcelli. “Augmented Reality in orthognathic surgery: a multi-modality tracking approach to assess the temporomandibular joint motion”.
- 2023:“Best Graphical Abstract” Award by Springer (XR Salento 2023 international conference on eXtended Reality, Lecce 6-9 Settembre 2023). L. Cercenelli, N. Emiliani, C. Gulotta, M. Bevini, G. Badiali, E. Marcelli. “Augmented Reality in orthognathic surgery: a multi-modality tracking approach to assess the temporomandibular joint motion”.
