About Canadian Surgical Technologies & Advanced Robotics (CSTAR)
CSTAR (Canadian Surgical Technologies & Advanced Robotics) is a world-leading centre for researching, developing, testing and delivery of simulation training of minimally invasive surgical technologies and techniques. There are three complementary sides to our purpose: Surgical Technology, Simulation/Education and Research.
Surgical Technology
Our facilities support all stages of medical device knowledge translation by enabling meaningful collaboration of researchers and clinicians. Through LHSC, CSTAR doctors have produced a number of world and Canadian firsts in computer assisted, minimally invasive surgery and have been national leaders in the introduction of robotic surgery into the Canadian healthcare system.
Simulation/Education
CSTAR is accredited with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and is also a Canadian Accredited Educational Institution of the American College of Surgeons. We collaborate with, and provide the facilities and staff for the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University and Clinical Educators from LHSC to develop and deliver team-based simulation programming. Our facilities and equipment allow us to offer a wide range of education opportunities - wet and dry labs, high fidelity simulation, procedural skills training and in situ simulation.
Research
CSTAR is a major research initiative of the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), the Lawson Health Research Institute (LHRI) and Western University. Each of CSTAR's multidisciplinary research projects involves the collaboration of engineers and clinicians. Current research topics include: robotic/mechatronic technologies for minimally invasive surgery and therapy; technologies and techniques for surgical training and skills assessment; haptics and teleoperation; and image-guided robot-assisted medical interventions.
Vision and Mission:
Vision
- CSTAR will be a leading, internationally recognized centre for healthcare innovation.
Mission
CSTAR improves the quality and safety of patient care by:
- Providing a safe environment for the development of health care providers with a focus on interprofessional education, simulation and training
- Advancing research into computer assisted surgical technology through the application of robotics and artificial intelligence
- Building value through collaborative development and delivery of accredited simulation programming
