Roy J. Roesthuis

University of Twente, University Medical Center Groningen

Papers

Total Citations

265

H-Index

About

Roy J. Roesthuis is a leading researcher in medical robotics, specializing in the mechanics and control of needle-tissue interactions for minimally invasive surgery. His work focuses on understanding the fundamental forces at play during needle insertion—distinguishing between cutting forces at the tip and friction along the shaft—to improve the accuracy and safety of procedures like biopsies and drug delivery. Roesthuis made a major contribution by developing a real-time, image-guided control system that integrates deflection models to robotically steer flexible needles with asymmetric tips, achieving precise targeting in soft tissues. His most cited paper (134 citations) on this system demonstrates its practical impact, while his foundational study on needle-tissue interaction mechanics (76 citations) provides essential insights for the field. He also advanced sensing technology by using Fiber Bragg Grating sensors in a novel actuated-tip needle, enabling real-time shape tracking and steering through tissue simulants. Roesthuis’s work bridges theoretical modeling and clinical application, offering critical tools for enhancing the accuracy of needle-based interventions and reducing patient trauma.