Ivan Furfaro
FIELDS OF EXPERTISE
- Validation and Integration of analog/digital electronic components
- Active and sensorized wearable systems for Rehabilitation design
- Biopotential acquisition system design
- 3D printing and prototyping
- Graphical User Interface Design
EPFL STI IMT LSBI
B3 2 243.134 (Campus Biotech bâtiment B3)
Ch. des Mines 9
CH-1202 Genève
Office:
B3 2 243.134
EPFL
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LSBI
Web site: Web site: https://lsbi.epfl.ch
Biography
Ivan Furfaro received his Master Degree in Biomedical Engineering in Italy at Politecnico di Torino, in 2015. He did his Master Thesis in Switzerland at EPFL in collaboration with the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), by validating and implementing a new technique to decrease power consumption and size for EMG acquisition systems. In 2016 he started working in the Translational Neural Engineering Lab - EPFL as scientific assistant to design and develop sensorized wearable system for rehabilitation purposes. In the same year he started approaching the world of entrepreneurship, by developing innovative ideas in different fields, which led him to win different prizes, as the international EUROBIKE award in 2018 with his startup, Spearoad. He continued to follow his interest and passion for interdisciplinary research and for biomedical applications, and he currently works as biomedical engineer in the Soft BioElectronic Interface Lab - EPFL, where he takes care of the electro-mechanical assessments and validation for new stretchable materials and applications developed in the lab.Current work
Ivan Furfaro is currently working in the Laboratory for Soft BioElectronic Interfaces (LSBI) as biomedical engineer and his job deals with design, manufacturing and implementation of electronic hardware and software to test new stretchable materials and devices, to assess the latest cutting-edge technology systems and to evaluate the integration of soft bioelectronic interfaces.Education
Master Degree, 110/110 cum laude
Biomedical Engeeniring
Politecnico di Torino
2015
Publications
Other publications
Epineural optogenetic activation of nociceptors initiates and amplifies inflammation (F. Michoud et al. - September 22, 2020 - Nature Biotechnology)
This study reports a neurotechnology for selective epineural optogenetic neuromodulation of nociceptors and demonstrates that nociceptor activation drives both protective pain behavior and inflammation.
My contribution to this paper deals with the design and implementation of the mechanical and optical characterization setup to allow the evaluation of the optoelectronic properties of the implant.
Soft, Implantable Bioelectronic Interfaces for Translational Research (G. Schiavone et al. - March 16, 2020 - Advanced Materials)
A translational framework engineered to accelerate the deployment of microfabricated interfaces for translational research is proposed and applied to the soft neurotechnology called electronic dura mater, e‐dura
My contribution to this paper deals with the realization of a biomimetic multimodal platform that replicates surgical insertion in an anatomy‐based model applies physiological movement, emulates therapeutic use of the electrodes, and enables advanced validation and rapid optimization in vitro of the implants.
Gallium‐Based Thin Films for Wearable Human Motion Sensors (L. Dejace et al., Aug 6, 2019 - Advanced Intelligent Systems)
This study presents a microfabrication approach to pattern micrometer‐thick gallium films on large‐area silicone substrates. By engineering the surface coating and topography of silicone, thin and smooth liquid metal films can be deposited with controlled morphology and well‐defined electrical and mechanical properties. The gallium films can be used to produce precise, repeatable, and durable sensing devices.
My contribution to this study deals with the evaluation of the electrical properties of this new gallium-based technology, by assessing the sensor calibration procedure and its accuracy, by managing the acquisition, processing and displaying of such datas, and by linking them to the 3D virtual environment.
Development of a hand neuroprosthesis for grasp rehabilitation after stroke: state of art and perspectives (Oct 16, 2018 - International Conference on NeuroRehabilitation)Stroke disrupts motor and sensory pathways, affects the ability to sense without distorsions body and peripersonal space, to decide to act, and to control efficiently the body. This paper describes the contextual requirements for the design of a grasp rehabilitation system for goal directed exercises.
A wearable multi-site system for NMES-based hand function restoration (May 10, 2017 - IEEE)Reaching and grasping impairments significantly affect the quality of life for people who have experienced a stroke or spinal cord injury (SCI). The long-term well-being of patients varies greatly according to the restorable residual capabilities. Electrical stimulation could be a promising solution to restore motor functions in these conditions, but its use is not clinically widespread.
Study on the biomechanical compatibility of fiberglass valves in early mobilization against resistance after simple elbow dislocations (May 22, 2014 - Congresso Nazionale SICSeG)
Mechanical and tensional characterization of deformable thermoplastic brace for functional treatment of radius head fracture.