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Image: A person in a white coat explains the human heart with the help of an anatomical model. The model shows the inner structure of the heart in detail.

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.
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Image: Operating room with a robot with a C-arm for operations on the stretcher

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: A hand holds a mechanical heart valve prosthesis surrounded by a white, stitched textile material; Copyright: Karin Kaiser/MHH

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.
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Image: Close-up of the surgeon's hands during an operation

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.
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Image: Pediatrician examines newborn baby in a bed in a clinic; Copyright: Lobachad

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.
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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: Close up of yellow electrodes; Copyright: drazenphoto

drazenphoto

Electrotherapy without surgery is possible

28.08.2023

Researchers at Lund University and Gothenburg University have successfully developed temporary, organic electrodes that can be seamlessly integrated into biological systems.
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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: Depiction of a brain and the nerve connections that run down the spinal cord; Copyright: joaquincorbalan

joaquincorbalan

Fiber-based endo-microscope: understanding neuronal communication

28.06.2023

A new hair-thin endo-microscope, developed by an international team with the participation of Leibniz IPHT, promises extremely gentle in-depth observations.
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Image: Javier Andrés and José Antonio pose at a railing in front of a large glass structure building; Copyright: Asociación RUVID

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.
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Image: Preview picture of video

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.
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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: Schematic illustration: The proposed robotic bronchoscope system for navigation-assisted intervention; Copyright: Cyborg and Bionic Systems

Cyborg and Bionic Systems

Novel robotic bronchoscope system for navigation and biopsy of pulmonary lesions

19.04.2023

A novel robotic bronchoscope system can non-intrusively access the area of interest within the lung for minimally invasive pulmonary lesions sampling, the gold standard of lung cancer diagnoses.
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Image: Illustration of a mitral valve prolapse compared to a healthy valve; Copyright: DZHK - Michael Fausser

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.
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Image: Coronary artery disease surgery using off-pump technique Operation in the operating room; Copyright: photovs

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.
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Image: Close up of professional doctor hands operating on a patient during open heart surgery in operating room; Copyright: bilanol

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.
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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: Nose surgery performed on a woman; Copyright: GabiStock

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.
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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: Three men poses for the camera, Dr Chiang Chi-leung and Professor Albert Chan Chi-yan. (Right) patient Mr Wan Ying-keung.; Copyright: The University of Hong Kong

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.
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Image: Representation of a uterus as a hologram. The hologram hovers over two cupped hands; Copyright: Medical University of Vienna

Medical University of Vienna

Locally advanced cervical cancer: Better odds using personalized brachytherapy

17.01.2023

For the first time, a study conducted by a research group at the Comprehensive Cancer Centre Vienna of MedUni Vienna and Vienna General Hospital using data from the multicentre EMBRACE-I trial demonstrated the superiority of a targeted approach in brachytherapy.
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Image: Oncologist looking at patients x-ray photos and making notes in red notebook; Copyright: sofiiashunkina

sofiiashunkina

Complete package for minimally invasive tumor therapy

04.01.2023

License agreement and joint development: Fraunhofer MEVIS commences cooperation with Israeli partner for worldwide use of innovative software technology in ultrasound-aided tumor ablation.
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Image: Physical therapist putting electrostimulation belt on a patient; Copyright: 9_fingers_

9_fingers_

Electrical current to fight COVID-19: The intelligent electric pill

28.11.2022

In 2020, Prof. Eugenijus Kaniusas and his research partners hypothesized that stimulating the auricular vagus nerve has anti-inflammatory effects in severe COVID-19 cases. In 2022, they were able to confirm this hypothesis thanks to a clinical trial.
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Image: Preview picture of video

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.
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Image: 3D rendering of an operating room with C-arm and robotic-assisted surgery system; Copyright: tridsanu

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.
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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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Image: Surgeon is inserting a heart catheter into a patient’s body; Copyright: PantherMedia/fly_wish

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.
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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: 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: A surgeon points at a screen that shows a roughly round shape; Copyright: PantherMedia/pitchayanank.hotmail.com

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.
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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 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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Image: Preview picture of video

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: 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: 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 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: 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: A device with a large monitor and different control panels in a darkened laboratory; Copyright: Fraunhofer IPA – PAMB

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.
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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: 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: 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: 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: 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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