Smart surgery, endoscopy, robotics: rethought and optimized for the times
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Image: A medical professional places their hands on a table and holds a stethoscope. One of their hands is a myoelectric prosthesis; Copyright: LightFieldStudios

Topic of the Month October 2022

Smart surgery, endoscopy, robotics: rethought and optimized for the times

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 manifold possibilities of the present day.

Accessing the surgical area: Digitization is coming to the OR
Image: 3D rendering of an operating room with C-arm and robotic-assisted surgery system; Copyright: tridsanu

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.
Read the article about robotics assisted surgery here

Actuators, sensors, controllers: The robot-assisted flexible endoscope combines all three
Image: The arms of an endoscope; Copyright: Madeleine Waltner

The rise of robotics in medicine will result in more and more applications in this sector in the future. This necessitates the design of robotic systems that meet the specific 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.
Read the interview with Prof. Peter Pott here

Body follows head: Bridging the gap between rigid and flexible endoscopes
Image: A flexible endoscope being prepared for a treatment; Copyright: GabiStock

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.
Read the interview with Tim-Lukas Habich here

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