umg/hzg, Eva Meyer-Besting
First time in Germany: use of the new mapping catheter
03/10/2024
The Heart Center of the University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG) is the first in Germany to use the Optrell mapping catheter - a procedure that makes the treatment of complex cardiac arrhythmias more precise and efficient. The new instrument creates high-resolution “maps” of the heart and makes it easier to identify problematic areas for targeted therapy.
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.
Dr Norbert Radasci, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh
3D-printed blood vessels offer new hope for heart bypass surgery
15/08/2024
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed 3D-printed blood vessels that mimic the properties of human veins. These artificial vessels could significantly improve the outcomes of heart bypass surgeries by reducing complications such as scarring, pain, and infection.
From permanent to resorbable: self-dissolving stents as heart implants
02/08/2024
Cardiology is increasingly transitioning from traditional metal stents to self-dissolving stents for the treatment of coronary heart disease. These new magnesium stents have the potential to improve the treatment and outcomes for a large patient population.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mohammed Ghannam/MSF
The Modular Field Hospital of Médecins Sans Frontières
04/07/2024
The Modular Field Hospital from Médecins Sans Frontières enables fast and flexible medical aid in crisis areas. The tent camp is quick to set up, adaptable and yet offers working conditions that are similar to those in standard hospitals, despite extreme restrictions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Enhancing cataract surgery in the global south with AI
25/04/2024
Researchers from the University Hospital Bonn, the University of Bonn, the Sankara Eye Foundation India, and Microsoft Research India are collaborating to improve cataract surgery outcomes in developing regions. Employing artificial intelligence (AI) for video analysis, their initiative aims to address challenges faced in the Global South.
Neurostimulation: Inceptiv™ fighting chronic neuropathic pain
19/04/2024
Neurostimulators play an important role in the treatment of chronic pain conditions. They use targeted electrical impulses to modulate pain signals. The Inceptiv™ neurostimulator from Medtronic is an example of a treatment solution for chronic neuropathic pain. It can offer sufferers a significant improvement in their quality of life.
Karin Kaiser/MHH
Cardiac medicine: minimally invasive replacement of any heart valve
19/04/2024
Hannover Medical School (MHH) is presenting a decisive advancement in cardiology: the minimally invasive replacement of the tricuspid valve using a new catheter system, a significant expansion of treatment options for heart valve defects.
Michelle Bixby/Penn State
3D-printed skin technique potentially enhances reconstructive surgery
15/04/2024
A breakthrough in reconstructive surgery may be on the horizon, as researchers develop a 3D-printed skin that integrates hair follicle precursors, leveraging adipose tissue for more natural results.
Chalabala
Sterile supplies: AI-based recognition of surgical instruments with Cir.Log
04/04/2024
The Cir.Log project between Charité Facility Management GmbH (CFM) and Fraunhofer IPK aims to increase the efficiency of sterile processing in hospitals and improve patient safety. Essentially, the aim is to create a smooth transition from current workflows to a more efficient, technology-supported system.
Wound closure: soldering with light and nanotechnology
02/04/2024
With "iSoldering", the Particles Biology Interactions Laboratory at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) in St. Gallen and the Nanoparticle Systems Engineering Laboratory at ETH Zurich have developed a method that does not require surgical sutures or synthetic adhesives. Instead, nanoparticles and light enable secure wound closure.
Northwestern University
Ultrasound sticker for monitoring post-surgical recovery
28/03/2024
Northwestern University and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have developed an ultrasound sticker, offering a new way for clinicians to monitor patients' organ health and deep tissue post-surgery.
Advancing surgical precision: ROSA shoulder system
18/03/2024
Zimmer Biomet, a leading medical technology company, has achieved a significant milestone with the FDA clearance of its ROSA Shoulder System for robotic-assisted shoulder replacement surgery. This innovation marks the world's first robotic surgery system specifically designed for shoulder replacement procedures.
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.
Unai82
reBEAT: mechanical heart support of the future
06/02/2024
With "reBEAT", the Munich-based start-up AdjuCor has developed a novel system for cardiac support and successfully implemented it together with the Cardiac Surgery Clinic at Hannover Medical School (MHH). It works by providing direct mechanical support without direct blood contact. This makes implantation easier and the system safer.
Lobachad
Enhancing neonatal intensive care with ArtPlac project
19/01/2024
The European Union is providing €3.57 million in funding for the "ArtPlac" research project, aimed at developing innovative medical technology for the treatment of premature and newborn infants in neonatal intensive care.
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.
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.
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).
Fraunhofer IPA
DAIOR research project: Distributed AI improves telesurgery
14/12/2023
In the DAIOR research project, doctors and technicians are working on the evaluation of surgical data from multimodal sources using artificial intelligence (AI). One of the project goals is to support robot-assisted telesurgery in real time.
Fraunhofer CMI
Inspired by mussels: printable adhesives for tissues and bones
08/12/2023
Titanium hip implants do not last forever — they gradually loosen, sooner or later losing their hold on the bone as it recedes over time. Researchers at the Fraunhofer IAP have been working alongside the Fraunhofer IGB and the Fraunhofer CMI to develop a tissue adhesive that can help avoid early replacement of prostheses in the future.
Empa
Surgery and imaging: mapping the meniscus
05/12/2023
A non-trivial player in the anatomical orchestra of the compound joint is the meniscus cartilage. Empa researchers are now creating a "3D map" of the precious cartilage.
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.
Desktop Health
MHH produces world’s first patient-specific implants with drug release
22/11/2023
For the first time, the ENT clinic at Hannover Medical School (MHH) has provided an adult patient with a customized implant for the external auditory canal featuring drug release benefits.
Karin Kaiser / MHH
New device against sudden cardiac death
10/11/2023
Hannover Heart Rhythm Center at MHH implants Germany's first innovative defibrillator with an electrode under the sternum.
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.
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.
Karin Kaiser / MHH
The most natural form of mechanical cardiac support?
26/10/2023
On the road to gentler mechanical cardiac support, the cardiac surgery clinics of Hannover Medical School (MHH) and the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne (UK) have briefly implanted a novel, groundbreaking circulatory support system in the first five people with advanced heart failure in the world.
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.
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.
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.
ORION_production
AI model to improve accuracy of breast cancer tumor removal
02/10/2023
A new clinical and research partnership has created an AI model that can predict whether or not cancerous tissue has been fully removed from the body during breast cancer surgery.
National University of Singapore
Nature-inspired pressure sensing technology aims to transform healthcare and surgical robots
22/08/2023
NUS researchers have developed 'eAir', an innovative pressure sensor inspired by the lotus leaf effect. This sensor could revolutionize minimally invasive surgeries by providing tactile feedback to surgeons and improve patient experiences in monitoring intracranial pressure. Its unique design enhances precision and reliability, potentially transforming various medical applications.
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.
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.
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.
Zinkevych_D
Breast cancer: international expert recommendations on removal of lymph nodes
24/07/2023
Researchers from Heidelberg University Hospital and the University of Lucerne as well as international scientists, patient representatives and European cancer societies have pooled scientific data and their expert knowledge on the surgical management of lymph nodes in breast cancer.
Chalmers University of Technology
Bionic hand: surgical and engineering innovations enable unprecedented control
21/07/2023
For the first time, a person with an arm amputation can manipulate each finger of a bionic hand as if it was his own. Thanks to revolutionary surgical and engineering advancements that seamlessly merge humans with machines, this breakthrough offers new hope and possibilities for people with amputations worldwide.
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.
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.
Asociación RUVID
New patent: uterine manipulator that improves gynaecological surgery
22/06/2023
Researchers from the Biomechanics and Ergonomics research group of the Universitat Jaume I, the Abdomino-Pelvic Oncology Surgery Referral Unit (UR-COAP) of the General University Hospital of Castelló and the Fisabio Foundation have developed an atraumatic uterine manipulator for minimally invasive gynaecological surgery.
mirarahneva
Neurosurgery: blood tests can show impact on the brain
31/05/2023
Damage to the brains of patients operated on for brain tumors may be assessed by measuring biomarkers in the blood pre- and postoperatively. A new study by University of Gothenburg researchers shows that the increase in markers tallies well with the impairment caused by insufficient blood flow.
Exoskeletons for everyday use: Non-invasive method for controlling prostheses
26/05/2023
Modern prostheses are already smart, but they still have their limits. The Assistive Intelligent Robotics Lab at FAU is therefore also researching an intuitive and non-invasive method for controlling prostheses. In our interview, those involved tell us exactly what they are working on together with neurologists and surgeons from the Erlangen University Hospital.
DZHK - Michael Fausser
Mitral valve repair: surgery or interventional treatment?
31/03/2023
A leaking mitral valve can be repaired surgically or with catheter-based techniques. A so-called mitral valve prolapse is particularly common, in which part of the valve protrudes (prolapses) into the left atrium. The American PRIMARY study investigates which method is most suitable for repairing mitral valves in patients with degenerative mitral valve insufficiency who are at low surgical risk.
Colourbox
Stem cell model: research into malformation of the newborn lung
15/03/2023
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is one of the deadliest birth defects. To better understand and treat this condition in the future, an international team of researchers involving Leipzig University Hospital designed a new cell model in the laboratory and tested a drug therapy on it.
photovs
Complex coronary artery disease: Stenting with close look inside blood vessel improves outcomes
10/03/2023
Patients with complex coronary artery disease who underwent a stenting procedure guided by intravascular imaging were nearly 40% less likely to die of heart disease, have a heart attack caused by a new blockage in the treated artery or need a repeat stenting procedure in the treated artery, compared with similar patients.
bilanol
Minimally invasive mitral valve repair reduces hospitalizations and deaths
08/03/2023
In patients with heart failure and a poorly functioning heart valve, a minimally invasive procedure using a clip to repair the valve was safe, cut the rate of hospitalizations for heart failure by 47% and reduced deaths from any cause by almost 30% after five years of follow-up.
Product design in medical technology
07/03/2023
Good design not only pleases the eye or the hand. It also guarantees intuitive and safe use and a long service life. Especially in medical technology, this can make a big difference – for staff as well as patients. Medical designers are therefore in great demand. At MEDICA 2022, we talked to two of them about their profession.
GabiStock
ENT surgery – Interventions for speech and hearing
27/02/2023
Speaking and hearing are the two most important abilities that connect humans to their environment. If they get limited through disease or injury, it is all the more important to restore them as broadly as possible. Depending on the cause for their limitation, there are different surgical treatment possibilities. We take a look at current methods in our Topic of the Month.
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).
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.
towfiqu98
Vocal cord paresis: surgical treatment to reverse paralysis
27/02/2023
The paralysis of the vocal folds, the vocal fold paresis (also known as vocal cord paralysis) is a condition in which most patients cannot control the movement of the muscles that control the voice. This can make it hard to speak, prompting a reduction in speech volume that makes it challenging to understand the person. Some patients may even have difficulty breathing.
POSTECH
Treating cornea ulcers with diagnostic light instead of corneal transplantation
08/02/2023
Recently, a Korean joint research team from POSTECH-KKU has developed a new tissue adhesive that restores the damaged cornea by simply filling it and exposing it to light.
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.
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.
Imperial College London
Affordable device for fixing broken bones piloted in Gaza, Sri Lanka and Ukraine
20/01/2023
Imperial researchers have developed a low-cost, easy-to-manufacture stabiliser for broken bones to help in regions where such devices are expensive or in short supply and people sometimes resort to homemade options.
The University of Hong Kong
'Reduce and Remove': new treatment strategy for locally advanced liver cancer
19/01/2023
A pioneering phase II clinical study on tri-modality therapy (START-FIT), conducted by the Department of Surgery and Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), has found that nearly 50% of patients with inoperable locally advanced liver cancer, can be cured through such an innovative approach.
Osaka Metropolitan University
Total knee arthroplasty: Faster knee for better walking
19/01/2023
Osaka Metropolitan University scientists have revealed that knee extension velocity while seated is a stronger predictor of walking performance than muscle strength in elderly patients after their total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery.
wutzkoh
Older knee replacements as good as newer models, study shows
16/01/2023
Older knee replacement designs are just as effective as newer models – according to new research from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and University of East Anglia.
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.
Home for medical technology – Highlight tour at the joint stand of NRW
16/11/2022
North Rhine-Westphalia offers good conditions as a location for medical technology companies. We spoke to Refined Laser Systems GmbH, United Robotics Group GmbH and weLLgo Medical Products GmbH during our tour of the NRW joint stand in Hall 3 / C80.
GabiStock
Body follows head: Bridging the gap between rigid and flexible endoscopes
04/10/2022
A successful endoscopic intervention hinges on two key factors: the endoscope must have excellent maneuverability and high structural rigidity. Unfortunately, today's devices cannot meet both requirements at the same time. Tim-Lukas Habich wants to change that by bridging the gap between flexible and rigid robots.
Madeleine Waltner
Actuators, sensors, controllers: The robot-assisted flexible endoscope combines all three
04/10/2022
The rise of robotics in medicine will result in more applications in this sector in the future. This necessitates the design of robotic systems that meet the requirements for the respective medical implementation. Scientists at the Institute of Medical Device Technology at the University of Stuttgart are developing the systems, components, sensors, and control technology to meet this demand.
LightFieldStudios
Smart surgery, endoscopy, robotics: rethought and optimized for the times
04/10/2022
Overall technical progress does not stop at the operating rooms of this world. Whether it's completely new ideas or robotic optimizations of classic methods – research teams are coming up with contemporary answers to long-standing questions using the diverse possibilities of the present day.
tridsanu
Accessing the surgical area: Digitization is coming to the OR
01/10/2022
Innovative medical technology is driving the digitization of healthcare institutions and is opening a world of possibilities. This is especially the case for minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery.
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.
Single-use catheter reprocessing in electrophysiology
01/03/2022
Catheter ablation is a way to treat irregular heartbeats, or arrhythmias, like atrial fibrillation. Although catheters are classified as single-use or disposable devices, the complex instruments can be reused multiple times thanks to extensive reprocessing.
Universitätsklinikum Bonn (UKB)/J.F. Saba
Retina chip: Implant helps with age-related macular degeneration
01/03/2022
People who suffer from partial or total loss of vision caused by illness must use assistive technology to replace their sense of sight. In recent years, implants offered hope of restoring limited functional vision. Now an innovative microchip designed to help with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is currently undergoing international testing.
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.
Machine Vision – The new navigation for spine surgery
15/09/2021
Precise, extremely quick and accurate – a new kind of navigation device in the OR uses a highly-developed camera technology to guide the surgeon through difficult procedures – directly in the OR. Prof. Ulf Liljenqvist, Chief Medical Director of the Clinic for Spinal Surgery at the St. Franziskus Hospital Münster, talks about his experiences in using the device.
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.
Deep Brain Stimulation – Measuring electrodes against Parkinson's disease
23/08/2021
We cannot heal Parkinson’s disease yet, all we can do is alleviate the symptoms. One possibility to do this are implantable electrodes that stimulate part of the brain and counteract the characteristic tremor. In our video, Prof. Cordula Matthies and Prof. Jens Volkmann from the University Hospital Würzburg explain how this stimulation can be targeted better with a new electrode generation.
Medical imaging: obtaining an accurate view of blood vessels for surgery
02/08/2021
Surgical intervention is often inevitable when blood vessels become narrowed, blocked, or damaged. Surgeons use stents and medical balloons to open and widen the arteries, suck out the obstructing clots and use a catheter to examine the vessels. Intraoperative cardiovascular imaging is an essential tool to guide the catheters and instruments during the minimally invasive procedures.
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.
Simulators for learning success – VR in surgical training
06/07/2021
The most important resource in surgical education is the hands-on experience young surgeons are able to get in the OR. But the possibilities to perform surgery on real patients are very limited, and these situations cause insecurity and stress in beginners.
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.
Surgery in 3D: Virtual Reality in the OR
01/04/2021
Surgeons do not only have to gather theoretical knowledge and practice to perform successful interventions. They also need a good visual thinking and have to know the anatomical characteristics of each individual patient. Some of these tasks will become easier when Virtual and Mixed Reality bring three-dimensional, digital models into their profession.
Surgical planning with immersive mixed reality
01/04/2021
The job of surgeons starts long before they step into the operating room. They must use two-dimensional MRI or CT scans to plan the surgical steps on a three-dimensional patient, relying on their experience, skill, and spatial sense. Using mixed reality (MR) to view human anatomical models allows for better visualization and navigation.
Broader perspective: how Mixed and Virtual Reality transform surgery
01/04/2021
For surgeons, nothing is more important than intimate knowledge and a spatial understanding of their operating field. Yet even three-dimensional imaging methods only provide limited assistance because the data is viewed on two-dimensional screens. When it comes to surgical planning or medical education, Mixed and Virtual Reality foster a better spatial understanding of the human body.
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.
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.
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.
Fredrick Johnson Joseph/Surgeons Lab
4D-Simulator breakthrough in brain surgery
13/01/2021
Aneurysm operations in the brain rank among the most delicate procedures in neurosurgery. The highest demands are placed on surgeons when choosing the type of intervention, planning the route and carrying out extremely delicate procedures on the blood vessel.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fraunhofer IPA – PAMB
Cardiovascular diseases: using AI to navigate the catheter
09/03/2020
Treatment of a heart attack or stroke caused by vascular occlusion must be prompt to prevent further damage to vital tissue. Unfortunately, the actual treatment is often preceded by a lengthy catheter-based procedure where the cardiologist manually guides the catheter to the affected vessel. AI might perform this task in the future.
Dagmar Braun
Much-needed medical technology: a hospital for Togo
10/02/2020
If life has given you many blessings, you should share them with others – and you also need to be a little crazy. That's Dagmar Braun's point of view. She initiated the construction of a hospital in Togo, Africa. The country currently lacks the system required to deliver comprehensive medical care. Surgical equipment and gynecology devices are much-needed to compensate for these deficits.
Angiogenesis: light shows blood vessels the way
03/02/2020
Regenerative medicine aims to replace damage in the body with functional tissue and restore normal function. The first defense for large defects are implants made of hydrogels, designed to promote cell growth. They need their own blood supply, which is a problem when it comes to larger implants because you cannot regulate where and how the blood vessels grow - until now.
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.
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.
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.
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.
MEDICA TECH FORUM: light-based imaging technique OCT
04/11/2019
Since its inception, MEDICA TECH FORUM has focused on the implementation of innovations and new technologies into clinical practice. 2019 marks the tenth year of the Forum. In honor of its anniversary, we will brighten things up a bit, as one of the focal points will highlight how optical coherence tomography (OCT) uses light to produce images.
German Medical Award
German Medical Award 2019 celebrates the future of (patient) care
22/08/2019
The German Medical Award will take place on November 18, 2019, as part of the MEDICA trade fair in Düsseldorf. The ceremony emphasizes the commitment to excellence in cutting-edge care for patients. Doctors, clinical centers and companies in the medical and healthcare industry can demonstrate their achievements in medicine and management in hopes of receiving the coveted award.
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.
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).
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.
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.
panthermedia.net/ monstArrr
Orthopedic implant: More comfortable thanks to full weight-bearing capacity
08/03/2019
Orthopedic implants – they are a necessity when it comes to congenital or acquired limb length discrepancies. However, full weight-bearing during the limb lengthening process is not feasible with previous implant models. For the first time, the 3D Surgery division at the Medical Center of the University of Munich has succeeded in using an implant that facilitates immediate weight-bearing.