Exoskeletons in the operating room

Use case: the IX Shoulder Air from SUITX by Ottobock

Surgeon team bends over patient during surgery - exoskeletons in the OR; Copyright: DragonImages

Doctor in surgical clothing sitting on a chair with an exoskeleton on his back - exoskeletons in the OR; Copyright: SUITX by Ottobock

Long medical procedures can take a toll on surgeons’ own well-being. During surgery, surgeons have to remain in one position for a longer period of time. An exoskeleton can provide relief in the OR and prevent stiffness or back pain – as tested here by Dr. Patrick Haas at the University of Tübingen.

Exoskeletons have made their way into the workforce. With their capability to relieve users while still maintaining agility, they make a welcome support for employees across industries. Especially for jobs that require extensive lifting such as logistics or manufacturing. 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.

In brief: Exoskeletons in the OR

Exoskeletons from SUITX by Ottobock have been used in operating rooms for several years.
They relieve surgeons during their work and, as industrial exoskeletons, can be used in operating rooms without further adaptation.
Ultimately, exoskeletons can help alleviate the shortage of skilled workers by enabling experienced surgeons to work longer without discomfort.

Man wearing an exoskeleton and smiling into the camera - David Duwe; Copyright: SUITX by Ottobock

David Duwe, Vice President SUITX by Ottobock Europe, wearing the IX Shoulder Air

Since its establishment in 1919, Ottobock has evolved into one of the world's leading companies in medical technology supply. Whether it's a prosthesis, orthosis, or wheelchair, the name Ottobock is synonymous with innovative products. Since 2018 the company has been leveraging its experience in medical technology to promote healthier workplaces. With the merger with the Californian Startup SUITX in 2021, the manufacturer is further advancing the development of exoskeletons. David Duwe, Vice President of SUITX by Ottobock in Europe, explained to us how the company's products can support the work of surgeons in various ways.

The IX Should Air – an industrial exoskeleton in the operating room

The main focus remains on industries such as automobile, aerospace and logistics. However, SUITX by Ottobock has realized that their exoskeleton model IX Shoulder Air is not only suitable for heavy lifting work, but also for precise and nimble tasks such as medical procedures. Being located next to the University Hospital of Göttingen, medical professionals occasionally reached out Ottobock, requesting to try out the exoskeleton for their line of work. Although the tasks of a logistic worker and a surgeon, do not seem to have much in common on first sight, the advantages of using the IX Shoulder Air hold true for both. Without any further adjustments.

"Surgery was not our focus market, to be honest."

David Duwe, Vice President SUITX by Ottobock Europe

Man in surgical clothing wears the SUITX by Ottobock exoskeleton on his back - exoskeletons in the OR; Copyright: SUITX by Ottobock

Tested and approved: Prof. Dr. med. Veit Rohde, Clinic Director and Specialist for Neurosurgery at Göttingen University Medical Center, with the Paexo Shoulder, the predecessor to the IX Shoulder Air, in the operating room.

The IX Shoulder Air is mounted on the upper arm and carries the weight of the arms, while still providing mobility. The amount of support from the system is adjustable to individual need. Duwe compares the effect to gliding at the water surface whilst swimming, as the IX Shoulder Air can reduce the joint compression forces to up to 50 percent. This is not only useful for heavy lifting duties, but also for remaining still in a certain position for a long period of time. As medical procedures can take multiple hours, stiffening or back pain can occur. A study conducted by researchers from the University of Texas concluded that 68 percent of participating surgeons experienced generalized pain from operations.

Further exciting articles from the MEDICA-tradefair.com editorial team:

"It doesn't matter whether I'm standing under a train, a plane or a car, or in an operating room. The effect is always the same."

David Duwe, Vice President SUITX by Ottobock Europe

Furthermore, the IX Shoulder Air is equipped with cushioned pads that can be cooled with water and add to the wearing comfort. As the exoskeleton tightly fits around the body, a surgical coat can still be easily pulled over it. Settings regarding the individual preferred support no longer necessarily have to be made by experts. Pilot projects by other exoskeleton manufacturers have already shown how users can calibrate the optimal parameters themselves. By preventing cramping while providing comfort and ensuring sterility, exoskeletons in the operations room could become a more than welcome help.

A man wearing the Shoulder Air exoskeleton from SUITX by Ottobock stands with his arms outstretched in a warehouse - exoskeletons in the OR; Copyright: SUITX by Ottobock

User requirements of surgeons for an exoskeleton

As mobility is one of the main demands from clients, users barely use the strongest support possible. In fact, Duwe explains that many of their SUITX by Ottobock customers were surprised that a product used in heavy industry jobs is actually pretty small and lightweight. This allows for more comfort and rather filigree tasks, such as those of a surgeon. Although the use by medical professionals has not provided enough data yet to make further claims, data from studies in other industries suggests, that the use of the IX Shoulder Air could additionally benefit precision by up to 30 percent.

"What interestingly didn't happen – as some suspected – is that the systems are getting more and more power, according to the principle of 'higher, faster, further'."

David Duwe, Vice President SUITX by Ottobock Europe

Exoskeletons in the operating room – a solution to the shortage of skilled workers?

As Germany, just like many other countries, is facing a shortage of skilled medical professionals, exoskeletons provide the possibility of surgeons in retirement age to continue their work despite age related limitations. This in return also benefits younger surgeons who can learn from more experienced colleagues directly, which leads to less mistakes. "If I can get extremely top-trained people to say they are pain free and possibly still perform certain surgeries for a year longer, then yes, that is a huge lever.", concludes Duwe.