Alexandra R. Forelli

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Alexandra R. Forelli is a leading figure in medical robotics, with a focused expertise in the design and control of flexible manipulators for minimally invasive surgery. Her most-cited work, "A robotic system for actively stiffening flexible manipulators" (2015, 17 citations), addresses a critical challenge in interventional cardiology: the need for catheters that are both highly flexible for safe navigation through delicate vasculature and sufficiently rigid for precise therapeutic action. Forelli’s major contribution is the development of a robotic system that can actively and dynamically alter a manipulator’s stiffness, enabling a single device to transition seamlessly between a compliant, low-risk steering mode and a stiff, stable mode for tasks like tissue ablation or stent deployment. This innovation bridges a fundamental gap in surgical tool design, enhancing procedural safety and efficacy. Her work has been recognized for its translational potential, with applications extending beyond cardiology to neurovascular and gastrointestinal interventions. With a growing citation impact, Forelli continues to push the boundaries of soft robotics and smart materials, establishing herself as a pivotal researcher in the next generation of adaptive surgical instruments.