Johanna Parra

Universitat de Barcelona, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona

Papers

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About

Johanna Parra is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of robotics and fetal medicine, whose work is transforming the landscape of minimally invasive prenatal surgery. Her primary research areas include computer vision, surgical robotics, and image-guided intervention, with a specific focus on fetoscopic procedures. Parra’s most significant contribution is the development of a robust vision-based tracking algorithm for Fetoscopic Laser Photo-coagulation (FLP) surgery, a critical treatment for Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS). Her 2019 paper, cited 7 times, introduces a method that accurately tracks anastomoses (abnormal blood vessel connections) in real-time, enabling surgeons to navigate, coagulate, and review target sites with unprecedented precision using a tele-operated robotic system. This work directly addresses the challenge of limited visualization and instrument control in the confined fetal environment. In her 2023 follow-up, Parra further refined robotic assistance for improved navigation and re-location during coagulation. By enhancing surgical accuracy and reducing reliance on manual skill, her research promises to improve outcomes for TTTS—a condition affecting thousands of pregnancies annually. Parra’s innovative fusion of robotics and fetal surgery positions her as a key figure in advancing safer, more effective treatments for complex prenatal conditions.