During my PhD, I worked on improving the surgical technique and possibility of kidney-sparing surgery in children with kidney tumors. Surgical technique has been improved by using new 3D imaging techniques (e.g., the HoloLens for intraoperative holographic navigation). In addition, we have improved the possibility of kidney-sparing surgery by designing guidelines for the surgical assessment of this patient group. My PhD research is explained in this interview (English).
After my PhD, I now work as a clinical technologist in the department of pediatric surgery. I work on the implementation of 3D technology in pediatric surgical care. This is for example using 3D prints to explain operations but also making 3D saw molds to perform orthopedic operations more accurately. For this, I work one day a week at the 3DLab at UMCU. In my research, I continue to work on holographic navigation for children with kidney tumors and am closely involved in all 3D research in our department.