What We Do

The Canadian Surgical Technologies & Advanced Robotics (CSTAR) centre supports all stages of Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) knowledge translation. CSTAR offers researchers world-class acute and chronic laboratory facilities that support preclinical testing and validation of new MIS technologies. CSTAR helps to accelerate knowledge translation and closes the “know-do” gap through its three core competencies in:

1. Research (biomedical engineering and prototype development),

2. Validation (pre-clinical and clinical), and

3. Education (training and simulations).

CSTAR provides researchers with an environment and culture where innovation occurs. Strategic partnerships and collaboration are the norm, and successful product development is the result. The CSTAR facility serves as a catalyst where researchers, engineers, surgical clinicians and industry players, can work together, to identify current and future challenges in surgical care, to expand the application of technology, to develop solutions, to validate devices, and to ensure the rapid introduction and acceptance of these techniques and devices through education.

CSTAR collaborates with Schulich Medicine & Dentistry at Western to develop and deliver education and surgical skills simulation programming necessary for competent use of its newly developed technologies by students and working health care professionals. The Lawson Health Research Institute, Robarts Research Institute, and The University of Western Ontario are major research partners in CSTAR’s efforts.

CSTAR, London Health Sciences Centre, University Hospital, 339 Windermere Road, London, Ontario, N6A 5A5

Phone: 519.663.3111  Fax: 519.663.8401  Email: cstarinfo@lhsc.on.ca