Piccolo: Heart umbrellas with a big impact
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Image: Medical plate to assist with securing the surgery field; Copyright: Osaka Metropolitan University

Osaka Metropolitan University

Simplified approach to securing the surgical field with a plastic device

22.11.2024

Robot-assisted heart surgeries traditionally require an assistant to ensure the surgeon has adequate room to maneuver the robotic arms through small incisions. To address this dependency, researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a surgical field expansion plate that offers surgeons greater independence during procedures.
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Image: Specialists in the operating theater insert a hearing implant; Copyright: University Medicine Halle

University Medicine Halle

Extra-flat hearing implant expands application possibilities

21.11.2024

A team from the University Medicine Halle has been involved in the development of an extra-flat, bone-anchored hearing system for many years. Prof. Stefan Plontke performed the first regular implantation of the new device following its approval for clinical use. In an interview with MEDICA-tradefair.com, he presents the new development together with Prof. Torsten Rahne.
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Image: Simulation model of the knee joint; Copyright: Fraunhofer MEVIS

Fraunhofer MEVIS

Optimized therapy for cruciate ligament injuries through digital simulation

07.11.2024

The Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine MEVIS, the University Medical Center Freiburg and Stryker Leibinger GmbH have received an award for their work on a finite element simulation for individual therapy planning for knee injuries. This innovative method enables personalized planning of cruciate ligament operations and could prevent long-term follow-up problems such as osteoarthritis.
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Surgical staff standing next to a person on a stretcher in the operating room, with a robot-assisted system to the right; Copyright: Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen / Ralf Baumgarten

Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen / Ralf Baumgarten

Robotically assisted laser procedure for spinal surgery

01.11.2024

In spinal canal stenosis, bony growths narrow the spinal canal, which often leads to chronic pain or paralysis in patients. Around 111,000 of these operations are performed in Germany every year, with surgery often being the only solution.
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Image: Two men standing next to each other, each holding a pair of VR glasses; Copyright: Rolf Müller/Universitätsklinikums Bonn (UKB)

Rolf Müller/Universitätsklinikums Bonn (UKB)

VIRTOSHA: Training in surgery using VR technology

13.09.2024

A research team from Bonn University Hospital, Cologne University of Applied Sciences and other partners is working on the VIRTOSHA project, which is developing a virtual reality training environment for surgical procedures.
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The Virtual Patient Avatar: All vital signs at a glance

10.09.2024

The Virtual Patient Avatar from Philips is being used for the first time at the Neurocenter at Bonn University Hospital. It displays patients' vital signs in a simplified way using colors, shapes and animations.
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Image: surgical operation in operating room; Copyright: Kindai University

Kindai University

New surgical approach for scimitar syndrome: Double-decker technique

01.08.2024

A team at Kindai University Hospital's Department of Cardiovascular Surgery has achieved a significant advancement in treating the rare congenital heart defect known as Scimitar Syndrome. Led by Senior Professor Genichi Sakaguchi, the team successfully performed a modified version of the "Double-Decker Technique" on a two-year-old patient.
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Image: Person lying on a treatment table while an ultrasound is being performed

Autonomous ultrasound: relieving the burden of everyday medical care

26.07.2024

Autonomous robotic ultrasound systems can perform routine examinations and support doctors in the operating room. Prof. Nassir Navab from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) is researching these technologies and demonstrating their potential for everyday medical practice.
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Image: PtNGrid consisting of embedded electrocorticography (ECoG) sensors; Copyright: David Baillot/University of California San Diego

David Baillot/University of California San Diego

Advanced Neuro Monitoring: PtNRGrid Gets FDA Approval

19.07.2024

The FDA has approved a clinical trial to test the effectiveness of the PtNRGrid, a high-resolution brain recording device developed by engineers at the University of California San Diego. This device could significantly improve brain surgeries by providing detailed recordings of brain activity.
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Image: Close-up of the heads of two people performing a surgical procedure; Copyright: Jun-Prof. Benjamin Wolf/University of Leipzig

Jun-Prof. Benjamin Wolf/University of Leipzig

TMMR study shows success in cervical cancer treatment

16.07.2024

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignant tumor disease in women worldwide. New research results from a comparative study lasting almost ten years show that total mesometrial resection (TMMR) practiced at Leipzig University Medicine has significant advantages over standard treatment.
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Image: Johannes Holfeld (r) holds the shock wave device in his hand during a bypass operation; Copyright: University Clinic for Cardiac Surgery/MUI

University Clinic for Cardiac Surgery/MUI

Breakthrough in Cardiac Therapy: Shock Wave Treatment to Revitalize Heart Muscle Cells

26.06.2024

Researchers at the Medical University of Innsbruck have pioneered a shock wave therapy combined with bypass surgery, significantly improving the heart's pumping function by revitalizing dormant heart muscle cells. This therapy, which stimulates the growth of new blood vessels, is set to revolutionize the treatment of chronic heart muscle weakness.
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Image: Researchers are testing the tactile Internet with a robot arm.

Andreas Heddergott / TUM

Transmitting the sense of touch over the internet: new HCTI standard

25.06.2024

The Technical University of Munich (TUM), in collaboration with an international consortium, has released the "Haptic Codecs for the Tactile Internet" (HCTI) standard after eight years of work. This standard enables the transmission of the sense of touch over the Internet, similar to JPEG for images or MP3 for audio.
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Image: A doctor performs a training operation with the help of AI, wearing a special cap and vest with sensors; Copyright: MEDICA

Artificial intelligence: the new member of the surgical team

19.06.2024

In the "Digital Scrubs" project, researchers from medicine, IT and industry are working on improving working conditions for surgeons by visualizing the operating team's alertness and signs of stress in real time. For this, artificial intelligence and biometric sensors are being used in the operating room.
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Image: Da Vinci SP system set up in an OR; Copyright: 2024 Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.

Da Vinci SP system: the next generation of robotic-assisted surgery

06.06.2024

The introduction of the Da Vinci Single Port (SP) system enables the Mainz University Medical Center to expand its field of application for minimally invasive surgery in general surgery as well as visceral and transplant surgery. Robotic-assisted surgery improves medical practice through the use of state-of-the-art technology that enables more precise and less invasive procedures.
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Image: An operating room with a surgery in process; Copyright: Joe Carrotta for NYU Langone Health

Joe Carrotta for NYU Langone Health

Breakthrough transplant surgery: Heart pump and gene-edited pig kidney combined

21.05.2024

NYU Langone Health has achieved a medical milestone with the first-ever combined mechanical heart pump and gene-edited pig kidney transplant surgery.
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Image: In the foreground of the left half of the picture is a small black device with a screen. A hospital bed can be seen blurred in the background; Copyright: HZDR / Xinne Zhao

HZDR / Xinne Zhao

Monitoring after pancreatic surgery through real-time diagnosis

07.05.2024

Scientists at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) and the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (UKD) have now developed a portable device that can carry out enzyme determinations continuously and in real time after pancreatic surgery. This can counteract complications such as the development of pancreatic fistulas.
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Inage: Ferda Canbaz and her team, one woman and four men, from the Department of Biomedical Engineering; Copyright: University of Basel

University of Basel

Surgery: more accuracy and safety through smart laser technology

08.02.2024

Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a smart laser that could be used to cut bone in surgery. The laser simultaneously cuts and analyzes tissue and measures the cutting depth. It could open new applications for laser surgery in the future and make it much safer for the patient while causing less damage to surrounding soft tissue.
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Virtual nursing training in the OR

23.01.2024

In the operating room, every move has to be precise. This applies not only to the surgical staff but also to the surgical assistants. Whether it's sterile products or consumables, the proper handling of them is essential for a smooth workflow.
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Image: Surgical staff bend over a patient in the operating room; Copyright: DragonImages

DragonImages

Exoskeletons in the operating room

16.01.2024

Exoskeletons have made their way into the workforce. With their capability to relieve muscles while still maintaining agility, they make a welcome support for employees across industries. In the medical sector, exoskeletons are mostly being used for rehabilitation. But there is a field of use that could benefit from exoskeletons in the future: the operating room.
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Image: Cardiac catheterization laboratory with a doctor standing in front of the examination table in the middle of the picture; Copyright: HDZ NRW

HDZ NRW

Piccolo: Heart umbrellas with a big impact

19.12.2023

"After the procedure, Jonah was a different child, the improvement was immediate. He turned 180 degrees in the right direction," says his mother Ania. On June 22 of this year, the boy underwent an effective procedure in the cardiac catheterization laboratory at the Heart and Diabetes Center NRW (HDZ NRW) in Bad Oeynhausen when he was just six months old.
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Image: Professor Lanfermann (left) and his team are delighted with the new angiography system; Copyright: Karin Kaiser / MHH

Karin Kaiser / MHH

Stroke: Progress in the treatment with state-of-the-art magnification technology

19.12.2023

A new, extremely powerful angiography system from Canon was put into operation at the Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology at Hannover Medical School (MHH).
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Image: Human organs made of paper lie on a table with the word

FabianMontano

Organ banks and the potential of deep-freezing

28.11.2023

We still face major challenges when it comes to the availability of donor organs. Organ banks could be a promising solution to shorten waiting times and save more lives - but only if we manage to preserve donor organs for longer.
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A woman interviews a man in a suit in front of a trade fair stand at MEDICA; copyright: beta-web | Messe Düsseldorf

USA, what's new? – Highlight tour at the US Pavilion

14.11.2023

MEDICA connects medical technology companies and their customers from around the globe. In 2023, more than hundred US companies exhibit at the US pavilion in hall 16, for example. For our highlight video tour, we paid the pavilion a visit. Join us to learn who is behind the organization of the pavilion and what some of the exhibitors are showcasing at MEDICA.
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Image: A surgeon in the operating room performs laser surgery on a patient's eyes; Copyright: Chibelek

Chibelek

Funding partially autonomous surgical robotics development

09.11.2023

The research association ForNeR’s two million euro grant from the Bavarian Research Foundation's Board of Trustees integrates assistive robots for surgery through intuitive interfaces in the operating room. This not only helps patients but also supports operating room staff in performing demanding procedures.
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Image: Dr. Mario Lorenz demonstrates the Virtuoso, which surgeons can use to practice the removal of the femoral head; Copyright: https://divr.de/

https://divr.de/

Training surgery with the DynamicHIPS system

06.11.2023

When surgically inserting an artificial hip, the preparation of medical staff jumps from theory to practice directly on the patient. The training system OrthoMiniGames now offers a simulation as an intermediate step. The use of virtual reality optics combined with tactile devices provides the opportunity to conduct the procedure within a haptic experience before approaching the patient.
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Image: Professor Duncker stands in front of a screen and shows the new electrodeless pacemaker; Copyright: Karin Kaiser / MHH

Karin Kaiser / MHH

Cardiology: novel pacemaker without electrodes

25.10.2023

The Department of Cardiology and Angiology at Hannover Medical School (MHH) is one of the first hospitals in Germany to offer implantation of the new innovative AVEIR VR pacemaker.
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Image: light brown bone screw Shark Screw; Copyright: DIZG

DIZG

Faster return to health with bone screws made from donated tissue

16.10.2023

During fracture treatment, screws are frequently used to join bone fragments. Traditional metal screws can necessitate additional surgeries during follow-up treatment, extending the healing process. Shark Screw® bone screw, crafted from human tissue, presents significant benefits in this context.
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Image: Bone removal with laser and visual control using OCT; Copyright: LZH

LZH

Laser and OCT to facilitate spinal canal stenosis surgery

11.10.2023

Researchers at the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) aim to simplify the surgery for spinal canal stenosis.
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Image: Fraunhofer IPA’s experimental hybrid operating theatre in Mannheim; Copyright: Fraunhofer IPA

Fraunhofer IPA

Research project DAIOR: Distributed artificial intelligence for the OR

10.10.2023

A research team of scientists has jointly launched the DAIOR project ("Distributed Artificial Intelligence for the Operating Room"). Within the framework of the project, the project partners are working on realizing the operating room (OR) of the future with help of artificial intelligence (AI) and robot assisted telemedicine.
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Image: Hands of a surgeon on the control console of a surgical robot; Copyright: Gerain0812

Gerain0812

Sensor-controlled precision: the future of surgical tumor removal

22.08.2023

The complete removal of malignant tumors is a decisive factor for the success of cancer treatment. Until now, the tissue examinations required for this have been time-consuming. In the future, sensor-based methods could come into play to help surgeons detect tumor boundaries more accurately and thus perform a more precise operation.
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Image: A surgeon in the OR is sitting in front of the control console of a surguical robot, a screen in front of him; Copyright: Universitätsklinikum Bonn (UKB)/Johann Saba

University Hospital Bonn (UKB)/Johann Saba

OR robotics: flexible on-demand robotics with Dexter

08.08.2023

Surgical robotics is precise and reduces the workload of surgeons. However, it is not always as flexible as humans. Dexter, a surgical robot that recently received CE certification, could revolutionize how surgery is performed in certain cases. Not only is it smaller and less expensive than other systems, it also allows switching between robotics and laparoscopy.
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Image: A woman in a pink dress, Franziska Mathis-Ullrich, poses next to a surgical robot; Copyright: FAU/Georg Pöhlein

FAU/Georg Pöhlein

FAU: research project about robotic assistance systems receives funding

03.08.2023

In the “ForNeRo – Seamless and Ergonomic Integration of Robotics into the Clinical Workflow” research network, researchers from FAU and five other research institutions and five companies are developing methods for integrating robotic assistance systems for surgical applications using intuitive interfaces in the operating room.
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Image: Portrait photo of a blond woman with blue eyes in a white blouse; Copyright: University of Gothenburg

University of Gothenburg

Skin cancer: curettage and cryosurgery effective for basal cell carcinoma

30.06.2023

The number of cases of skin cancer is continuing to rise sharply, in Sweden and internationally, involving high costs for a healthcare economy that is already under severe strain in many places. Eva Backman and her team studied the efficacy of treatment options.
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Image: The hydrogel composite is demonstratively stretched by Alexandre Anthis; Copyright: Empa

Empa

Sensor patch for abdominal surgery

23.06.2023

Researchers from Empa and ETH Zurich have developed a plaster with a sensor function to ensure that wounds in the abdomen remain tightly closed after an operation.
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Image: OR monitor that shows heart rate and other vital parameters, behind it an OR team; Copyright: bilanol

bilanol

OptoCarDi: searching for new diagnostic options to assess the heart muscle

16.05.2023

The preparations for the OptoCarDi project at the EAH Jena and the Jena University Hospital (UKJ) are in full swing. Starting in June 2023, a research team led by Prof. Iwan Schie (Biomedical Engineering), Prof. Robert Brunner (Miniaturized Optical Sensor Systems) and the cardiologists Prof. Sven Möbius-Winkler and Prof. Christian Schulze will develop an optical catheter prototype.
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Image: Hospital buildings behind a forest and a wheat field; Copyright: IndustryAndTravel

IndustryAndTravel

Hospital construction: challenging projects for good healthcare

17.03.2023

Building a hospital is a large project that involves many experts and countless workers and contractors. They are all coordinated to reach a common goal: a building that serves the wellbeing of patients. MEDICA exhibitor Axis Medical has a lot of experience with this – read more in our interview!
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Image: An operation on the heart. Open heart surgery; Copyright: photovs

photovs

New ablation technology found safe, effective for atrial fibrillation

13.03.2023

A new ablation technology known as pulsed field ablation was successful at eliminating episodes of abnormal heart rhythms for 12 months in up to two-thirds of patients, according to a study.
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Image: Virtual 3D illustration showing robotic arms operating on a brain; Copyright: Petra Ritter/BIH

Petra Ritter/BIH

European test infrastructure for AI and robotics in healthcare

09.03.2023

The Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut (HHI) is part of the EU project TEF-Health (Testing and Experimentation Facility for Health AI and Robotics), which aims to establish a test infrastructure for artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics in healthcare.
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Image: Female physician is looking at an X-ray image of the human skull; Copyright: stevanovicigor

stevanovicigor

ENT surgery: minimally invasive and robot-assisted procedures

27.02.2023

The ear, nose and throat are full of tiny structures, and each plays an important role in the health of a person. The inside of the ears makes it possible for us to hear, while the inside of our nose enables us to smell. The larynx contains the vocal cords, which allow us to speak and stay connected to the outside world.
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Image: A surgeon checking the surgical procedure again on a monitor; Copyright: svitlanah

svitlanah

HEARO cochlear implantation – microsurgery via robot

27.02.2023

Until now, robots have assisted surgeons in the operating room to enhance their capabilities. CASCINATION is a Swiss medical device company who has teamed up with MED-EL – the Innsbruck-based hearing implant company – to develop a system that can perform an autonomous cochlear implantation. Since then, HEARO has been successfully used – including at the Medical University of Vienna (MedUniWien).
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Image: Chung-Hao Lee, Ph.D., at the University of Oklahoma, smiles at the camera in a business suit; Copyright: University of Oklahoma

University of Oklahoma

Researchers designing device to improve brain aneurysm treatment

03.02.2023

Under the direction of Chung-Hao Lee, Ph.D., at the University of Oklahoma, a five-year research project will lead to the design of a device that can be customized to better treat unique aneurysms, the irregular bulge in a blood vessel that can be deadly.
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Image: Professional portrait photo by Emilia Möller Rydberg; Copyright: Wingborg/University of Gothenburg

Wingborg/University of Gothenburg

Fewer surgically treated ankle fractures with clear-cut treatment routine

30.01.2023

It has been shown that the percentage of ankle fractures that undergo surgery could be substantially reduced, from more than 30 per cent to 10 in the most common type of fracture. The key is a clear-cut treatment routine that benefits both patients and caregivers, according to a doctoral dissertation at the University of Gothenburg.
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Helpful hands redefined – Stäubli Tec-Systems GmbH

16.11.2022

Medical robots are on the advance: Highly precise, rigid or flexible, they also have to meet the criteria for sterile surgical conditions. At MEDICA 2022, we visit the stand of Stäubli Tec Systems and see for ourselves why robots can be the helping hand of surgeons.
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Image: Dr. Maximilian Kückelhaus presents the new method in a dry-run training session with an operations robot ; Copyright: WWU - Peter Leßmann

WWU - Peter Leßmann

First completely robot-supported microsurgical operations on humans

24.08.2022

A team led by Dr. Maximilian Kückelhaus and Prof. Tobias Hirsch from the Centre for Musculoskeletal Medicine at the University of Münster has carried out the first completely robot-supported microsurgical operations on humans.
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Precision work in the operating room – Minimally invasive surgery at MEDICA 2021

16.11.2021

The smaller the surgery, the more precise it has to be. That's why surgeons need high-precision technology for minimally invasive procedures. Robots are often already used in the OR to perform surgery with millimeter precision. At MEDICA 2021, we learn more about the status quo of technology that enables minimally invasive procedures.
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Image: Operating table by JW Holdings Corporation; Copyright: beta-web/Molinari

OR equipment at MEDICA 2021: from operating tables to virtual reality

15.11.2021

Operating room equipment is not limited to operating tables and surgical lights, but also includes monitors and virtual reality. All this and much more awaits visitors at this year's MEDICA. You can get an insight into the various products here.
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Image: a woman on an OR table; Copyright: PantherMedia/ArturVerkhovetskiy

PantherMedia/ArturVerkhovetskiy

Identifying risks before surgery - with simple means

08.10.2021

Risks during surgery, especially cardiological risks, are still very high in the Western world. However, conventional methods for measuring such risks before surgery are costly or even not always meaningful. And increasing economization in hospitals also makes it more difficult for staff to find time for a comprehensive pre-op analysis.
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Image: Two surgeons are standing at the control console of an OR device; Copyright: Christian Morawe/Universitätsmedizin Magdeburg

Christian Morawe/Universitätsmedizin Magdeburg

Histotripsy: fighting tumors with microbubbles

08.09.2021

Focused ultrasound waves create microbubbles in a fluid – a phenomenon called cavitation. In a current study, this process is used to destroy liver tumors and metastases.
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Image: X-ray image of a blood vessel with a catheter and a balloon; Copyright: PantherMedia/pitchayanank.hotmail.com

A look into the cardiovascular system: Possibilities of medical imaging

02.08.2021

A high degree of precision is required for operations involving the cardiovascular system. This is based on medical imaging. In practice, however, these still face a number of challenges that can impair image quality. The further development of imaging techniques represents a forward-looking field of research in order to be able to improve surgical treatment.
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Image: a cardiac catheter robot in an OR; Copyright: Universitätsklinikum Freiburg 2021

Universitätsklinikum Freiburg 2021

Bringing stents precisely to their destination with cardiac catheter robots

02.08.2021

Robots in the operating theatre are no longer a rarity in certain medical fields - they support and relieve doctors and sometimes they can make operations more efficient and easier with artificial intelligence (AI). However, they are rarely found in the operating theatre during cardiological interventions.
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Image: a person holding two models of kidneys in front of the body; Copyright: PantherMedia / benschonewille

PantherMedia / benschonewille

Removing kidney stones thoroughly and without residue

13.07.2021

Kidney stones are a widespread disease. In order to be able to reliably remove even the smallest remnants of them, Purenum GmbH, a spin-off of Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM, developed a gel that encloses small fragments and can then be removed without leaving any residue. This year, the product mediNiK was certified and is thus ready for the market.
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Image: Graphic showing an oval shape that is being gripped by a hook during endoscopic surgery; Copyright: Purenum GmbH

Purenum GmbH

CE Mark for medical device for effective removal of kidney stones

28.06.2021

In December 2017, Purenum GmbH started its business as a spin-off of Fraunhofer IFAM. Its mission is to develop biomimetic adhesives for use in medical technology.
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Image: A man wearing a VR headset is holding a surgical instrument that is attached to a robotic arm; Copyright: Dynamic HIPS

Hip replacement: virtual surgical training with haptic technology

01.04.2021

Surgeons have only limited options to practice surgical techniques before they enter the operating room. The implantation of an endoprosthesis requires extensive practical training since it necessitates strength and utmost precision. The "Dynamic HIPS" project develops a virtual reality hip implant simulator that provides realistic haptic feedback.
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Digital twin heart – Computer model for an optimized therapy success

15.03.2021

Heart surgery is difficult even for experienced surgeons and therapeutical success is not always certain. Physicians need to rely on their experience when choosing and planning the correct intervention. A computer model could help them in the future: The digital twin heart could be fed with patient data and then simulate whether an intervention will be successful.
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Image: a man and a roboter in the theatre; Copyright: PantherMedia/ekkasit919

PantherMedia/ekkasit919

Exploring possible applications of robotic surgery

09.03.2021

Robotics has been gaining importance in many areas of life for years, not least in medicine. Robots are already being used in the operating room today, but they do not always play the leading role – a circumstance that will certainly change in the long term.
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Image: A surgeon is inserting a catheter into a blood vessel of a patient; Copyright: PantherMedia/chanawit

PantherMedia/chanawit

Atrial fibrillation: better outcomes with diamonds

15.12.2020

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots and trigger strokes. To correct the condition, physicians use medication or surgical intervention by means of catheter ablation. This surgical method on the beating heart is a standard and safe procedure but there is always room for improvement.
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Robotic arms in the operating room – When the surgeon can work in a sitting position

23.11.2020

Surgeons do not only need much concentration, but also strength and endurance. Robotic arms under their control can do part of this work. Prof. (Saitama Med. Univ.) Dietmar Stephan from the St. Marien Hospital Siegen describes in our video, how controls and haptic feedback can make surgery with a robot easier.
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Image: Physician checks function of an arm prosthesis; Copyright: PantherMedia/belahoche

PantherMedia/belahoche

Bionic prosthesis: easy to put on, intuitive to use

22.09.2020

Patients who receive a prosthesis after the amputation of a limb often have to train for weeks or months until they can control the technology and use it in everyday life without problems. At the Medical University of Vienna, the world's first bionic prosthesis has now been developed that has a closed control loop and enables immediate, intuitive use.
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Image: Application of AR sonography; Copyright: Fraunhofer IGD

Fraunhofer IGD

Augmented reality ultrasound: putting the focus on patients

10.08.2020

This is how a conventional ultrasound scan works: patients lie down on a table next to the ultrasound machine. A doctor uses a probe to scan the part of the body in question, while he or she looks at the pictures on a monitor. In other words, the physician either focuses on his/her hand on the patient or the monitor. The Fraunhofer IGD wants to change this process as part of the "sonAR" project.
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Image: robotic system for assistance in surgery; Copyright: panthermedia.net/phonlamai

Robotics in the OR: Relieving the surgeon

04.05.2020

In the operating room, minimally invasive procedures are increasingly used. Robot-assisted systems are a great help for the surgeon. They support the surgeon and are extremely precise. Through innovative research approaches, robotic systems are constantly evolving.
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Image: Surgeon sitting at a robot-assisted operating system; Copyright: panthermedia.net/wedmov

Robotic-Assisted Surgery with the daVinci-System

04.05.2020

Robotic surgical systems are often used to perform minimally invasive procedures. The daVinci surgical system is still one of the market leaders and is especially well suited to perform prostatectomies, a surgical option for prostate cancer.
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Image: Robotic arm used for surgical operations; Copyright: panthermedia.net/markoaliaksandr

Innovative Robotic-Assisted Surgical Systems

04.05.2020

More compact, more flexibility, and more precision - these are the main characteristics developers strive for as they advance robotic-assisted surgical systems for the operating room. Several technology providers have already shown how it’s done, including the makers of the popular daVinci Surgical System. Yet for robotic-assisted systems, the sky is the limit.
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Image: View of a robot-mounted system from above; Copyright: panthermedia.net/wedmov

Robots in the Operating Room: Improving Training and Safety

04.05.2020

Surgical robots are transforming the operating room. They deliver many benefits but also present new challenges. That is why the efficient handling of robotic mechanisms must also be reflected in the respective training courses.
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Image: patient with pain in fingers; Copyright: panthermedia.net/Milkos

APRICOT-project: implant "help(s) patients heal themselves"

01.01.2020

Today, people tend to live longer, while an increasing number of patients suffer from osteoarthritis. Even younger generations are now at a higher risk of getting osteoarthritis due to the frequent use of mobile devices. The EU research project APRICOT aims to develop a novel type of implant for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hands – helping patients heal themselves.
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Image: Athlete with knee pain; Copyright: panthermedia.net/Wavebreakmedia Itd

Endoprostheses: between possibility and reality

01.01.2020

When natural joints lose their ability to function, they can be completely or partially replaced by artificial joints, also called endoprostheses. Endoprostheses must be of a certain quality, as they should remain in the body as long as possible. In addition to some risks, endoprostheses can also contribute to a mobile and carefree life for young and old.
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Image: doctor consoles patients before surgery; Copyright: panthermedia.net/luckybusiness

Endoprosthetic surgery: modern and traditional approaches

01.01.2020

Surgery is required if you need an artificial joint. Patients and doctors must select the type of surgery that’s best suited and choose between robot-assisted, traditional or minimally invasive surgical approaches. Post-operative risks should be kept to a minimum, while benefits should outweigh any possible complications.
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Image: cemented artificial hip endoprostheses; Copyright: panthermedia.net/coddie

Endoprostheses: regaining independence and mobility

01.01.2020

Joints can suddenly or gradually deteriorate and lose their natural strength, whether it’s due to accidents, diseases or simple wear and tear. In some of these cases, implants of artificial joints – endoprostheses - can help. As a joint replacement, they are designed to stay in the body for as long as needed and as such improve the patient’s quality of life and mobility.
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Image: Laboratory situation - Prof. Popp shows a young man a small object in his hand; Copyright: Leibniz-IPHT/Sven Döring

Leibniz-IPHT/Sven Döring

Tumor excision: triple imaging for unique diagnostics

08.08.2019

After their tumor has been removed, some patients have to return to the hospital to undergo surgery again. That's because the tumor was not precisely identified and was subsequently not completely removed. That's both an ethical and financial dilemma. A new surgery-adjacent procedure is designed to rapidly and accurately detect tumors.
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Image: A physician wearing VR glasses. An image of the human heart floats in front of him in the air; Copyright: apoQlar

apoQlar

Virtual Surgical Intelligence: Microsoft Hololens in the OR

22.07.2019

Modern imaging opens news doors to surgeries. Yet it also poses major problems for surgeons: They use two-dimensional images to navigate through a three-dimensional surgical environment, while they continuously have to switch their focus back and forth between the images and the patient. Now help is on the way in the form of interactive 3D projections and mixed reality (MR).
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Image: Female surgeon in scrubs is standing in an MRI control room and looks at screens; Copyright: Medtronic

Medtronic

VISUALASE: epilepsy surgery with the laser catheter

11.06.2019

Epilepsy patients are currently treated with either medication or surgical options. The aim is to remove the distinct regions of the brain that cause epileptic seizures. Laser ablation for epilepsy is a new, catheter-based surgical procedure that is now also available in Europe, preventing patients from having to undergo open brain surgery.
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Image: Patient during an fMRI examination; Copyright: panthermedia.net/Chris De Silver

Functional imaging: what makes the brain tick?

01.04.2019

Our brain is the command center of our body. This is where all information and impressions are collected and converted into responses and movements. Modern imaging techniques offer physicians and researchers unique insights into the actions of the human central nervous system. The functional imaging technique allows them to watch our brain in action.
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Image: close-up of a woman lying in an MRI device; Copyright: panthermedia.net/Craig Robinson

Brain mapping: preoperative planning with functional MRI

01.04.2019

A surgery already begins before the patient is lying on the operating table – namely with the planning. For example, if brain surgery is imminent, the brain must first be mapped. This makes the activity level of certain brain areas visible. Functional magnetic resonance imaging makes this possible.
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