Marijn Van Hilten

Papers

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About

Marijn van Hilten is a pioneering roboticist whose work sits at the intersection of medical robotics, MR safety, and interventional radiology. His primary research focus is the development of MR-safe robotic systems for minimally invasive procedures, with a particular emphasis on breast cancer diagnosis. Van Hilten’s most notable contribution is the Sunram 7, an MR-safe robotic system designed specifically for MRI-guided breast biopsy. This system addresses a critical clinical challenge: many suspicious breast nodules are only visible on MRI, yet performing biopsies within the strong magnetic field and cramped bore of an MRI scanner is extremely difficult. By employing pneumatic stepper motors—which are inherently free of ferromagnetic materials—van Hilten’s design enables precise, safe, and remote-controlled needle placement without compromising image quality. The Sunram 7, published in 2023 and already garnering 8 citations, represents a significant step toward making MRI-guided interventions more accessible and less cumbersome. His work bridges the gap between advanced robotics and real-world clinical needs, offering a tangible solution that could improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes in breast cancer care.