Papers
43
Total Citations
2,365
H-Index
24
About
Alexandru Patriciu is a pioneering roboticist whose work has fundamentally advanced the field of image-guided, minimally invasive surgery. His research centers on the development of novel actuation systems and robotic platforms for precise percutaneous interventions, with a particular focus on overcoming the challenges of operating within the high-field environment of MRI scanners. Patriciu’s major contribution is the invention of the PneuStep motor, a revolutionary pneumatic step motor that enabled the creation of fully actuated, MR-compatible robots without the interference issues of piezoelectric alternatives. This innovation is the backbone of his most influential work, including the MrBot robot for transperineal prostate interventions (199 citations) and the AcuBot for radiological procedures (205 citations). His systems have demonstrated remarkable clinical impact, achieving over 200 citations for the PneuStep motor itself and enabling automatic brachytherapy seed placement under MRI guidance (108 citations). Patriciu’s robots have been validated in canine models and clinical trials, showing they can reduce radiation exposure to physicians during CT fluoroscopy (135 citations) while improving accuracy in kidney access (139 citations). His work represents a landmark achievement in making MRI-guided robotic surgery a practical reality.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1A New Type of Motor: Pneumatic Step Motor209 citations · 2007
- 2Acubot: a robot for radiological interventions205 citations · 2003
- 3“MRI Stealth” robot for prostate interventions199 citations · 2007
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- 8Automatic Brachytherapy Seed Placement Under MRI Guidance108 citations · 2007
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