What are the advantages compared to the conventional optical microscope?
Huber: I see a major advantage above all in the improved ergonomics. The surgeon can sit upright and does not have to bend over the patient. In addition, angles of view are achieved that are otherwise not available. The robot can even be directed to the opposite side. Conventionally, changing sides is not possible at all or only with great effort – on the one hand for reasons of sterility, on the other hand for reasons of space, because the instruments would then have to be moved, for example.
But we hope to save a lot of time during treatment in the future. First of all, it is still the case today that positioning the patient takes a lot of time because he has to be tilted. However, the RoboticScope is much more mobile than conventional microscopes, so that it can easily reach all sides of the patient without having to position the patient in a specific position and with a lot of time spent on it. Secondly, we can be faster because we can reach other angles with the RoboticScope. Thirdly, the glasses fold up and down automatically. The surgeon does not have to retract or extend the microscope every time he wants to have a brief overview. The eyeglasses fold up, the robot moves away and can then return to exactly the same position.
So, the advantages of RoboticScope are: better ergonomics, better viewing angles and thus time savings.
What has to be taken into account during application? Are there certain requirements?
Huber: You have to get used to it. That is certainly still the biggest challenge at the moment. This is especially true for experienced surgeons who have used conventional microscopes for years. For this purpose, we are planning a training station, comparable to a video game, where you can familiarize yourself with the new system, the glasses and, above all, the control system. Beyond that, we do not see any limitations. Once the surgeon has become familiar with it, it will be suitable for all applications where a conventional microscope has been used up to now.