Exoskeletons in the operating room

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 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.

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.

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.

Keyword shortage of skilled workers – exoskeletons could provide great relief, especially in the care sector. And their use would actually be obvious, as it is precisely in this profession that the advantages of wearables come into play. Not only can the aids support nursing staff when lifting or moving patients, the robotic muscles also ensure that staff tire less quickly. However, Carolin Mühe, Business Development Manager at Help Tech, talks about why exoskeletons are not yet being used across the board in the REHACARE interview "No more back pain – thanks to exoskeletons".

A part of the medical sector, in which the benefits of exoskeletons have been utilized for quite some time now, is rehabilitation. The option to individually control the support from the system and a wide range of different exoskeleton models, help patients overcome everyday challenges. To push the technology of exoskeletons even further, events like the Cybathlon, in which participants with disabilities take part in various competitions, highlight new advancements. Another annual event is the World Exoskeleton Day on May 2, which was created by Project MARCH, a non-profit student team at the TU Delft. "We try to include companies from all over the world, to organize events, to raise awareness for exoskeleton technology", says Public Relations Coordinator Charlotte Bourdon.

With the advantages just listed and the independent research that has been carried out, exoskeletons could have a major impact on the work of surgeons. Similar to the way they have shaped today's use in rehabilitation or are successfully used in industry. But the question of investment and possible wide-spread implementation remains. As this might not be a topic surrounded by a lot of buzz right now, it could very well become one in the near future.