Maria Cunha is a Master’s student in Biomedical Engineering at NOVA School of Science and Technology. In affiliation with the Champalimaud Foundation, she is developing her thesis at the Digital Surgery Lab, focusing on image-guided surgical navigation for breast reconstruction.

Her research focuses on integrating patient-specific 3D models derived from preoperative CT angiography with real-time tracking of an electrosurgical scalpel during DIEAP flap surgery. By continuously monitoring the position of the surgical instrument relative to critical perforating vessels, the system aims to provide proximity warnings and support safer and more precise dissection.

Building on work initiated during her internship at the Digital Surgery Lab, her research combines biomedical image processing, 3D modelling and surgical instrument tracking, with the goal of improving intraoperative guidance and contributing to safer and more efficient reconstructive surgery.