Wearable devices in the surgical environment
In surgery, wearable technologies can assist, augment, and provide a means of patient assessment before, during and after surgical procedures.
surgery
Emerging technologies are transforming the way surgical procedures are done. We provide an overview on new applications of surgical robotics, immersive realities such as augmented and virtual reality, 3D printing, and digitalization in the OR.
Tactile holograms could help train surgeons
Engineers have developed a new way to create the sensation of physically interacting with holographic projections.
Robotics expands in spinal surgery
Increasing numbers of hospitals and spine surgeons are adopting robotics and computer navigation, which aim to enhance precision, accuracy and predictability.
Mixed reality enhances brain surgery
A research program explores the use of mixed reality for enabling surgeons to identify brain tumors quickly and precisely.
Navigation the brain's arteries with a steerable catheter
For the first time, a steerable catheter will give neurosurgeons the ability to steer the device in any direction they want while navigating the brain's arteries and blood vessels.
3D printable biomaterial for personalised medicine
Marc Knebel, head of Medical Systems at Evonik, explains the benefits and applications of the new high-performance polymer VESTAKEEP Care M40 3DF.
World-leading pioneers speak at Medical XR congress
At Shift Medical, more than 60 leading medical XR experts will present and discuss the latest developments on the use of digital technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality in medicine.
Implant shows promise for regenerating bone
Researchers have developed a regenerative implant that could help repair bone-deep damage following physical trauma, surgery or osteoporosis.
Nimble robotic arms for delicate surgery
Researchers are working to make robotic arms more graceful. The findings could one day allow doctors to remotely perform surgery on a distant battlefield.
Simulator helps robots sharpen their cutting skills
A simulation engine predicts the forces acting on a knife as it cuts through soft materials, a capability that could have applications for safer surgical robotics.
Research programme to bioprint ear and noses launched
The Scar Free Foundation has launched a research programme that aims to revolutionise surgeons’ ability to reconstruct nose and ear cartilage in patients affected by facial difference.
3D printed knee implant for arthritis sufferers
A groundbreaking new treatment that uses 3D printed implants and that could bring relief to tens of thousands of knee osteoarthritis sufferers has received approval to be trialled in UK patients.
Hip implant simulator for virtual surgery training
The team of the Dynamic HIPS are working on a hip replacement simulator that will help future surgeons to practice the intervention.
MasSpec Pen shows promise in pancreatic cancer surgery
The MasSpec Pen has shown to accurately identify tissues and surgical margins directly in patients and differentiate healthy and cancerous tissue from banked pancreas samples.
Transient pacemaker dissolves in body
Researchers have developed the first-ever transient pacemaker — a wireless, battery-free, fully implantable pacing device that disappears after it’s no longer needed.
Shape-changing implants to treat severe pain
An ultra-thin, inflatable device that uses a combination of soft robotic fabrication techniques and microfluidics can be used to treat the most severe forms of pain without the need for invasive surgery.
A hydrogel for removal of kidney stones
Purenum GmbH has succeeded in certifying a biocompatible hydrogel for the removal of kidney stone residues for endoscopic therapy.
Hydrogel electrodes flow to fit the body
Scientists have created flexible, metal-free electrode arrays that conform to the body - avoiding damage to organs.
Smart elastomers make robots more touchy-feely
A new generation of robotic tools are beginning to be realized thanks to a combination of strong 'muscles' and sensitive 'nerves' created from smart polymeric materials.
3D printed liver to help surgeons prepare for operations
New research could help surgeons perform liver resections with greater accuracy and deliver improved patient outcomes.
Printable biosensors could make surgery safer
Researchers have developed fully printable biosensor made of soft bio-inks interfaces with a pig heart.
Stereotactic systems from the 3D printer
Researchers have developed a way of manufacturing stereotactic systems from plastic using a 3D printer – a cost-effective method that opens up new design potential.
Hydrogel protects heart from post-op adhesions
Researchers have designed a device to safely and accurately spray the hydrogel inside the area where open heart surgery is being performed.
Magnetic fields controll miniature robots
Scientistshave developed millimeter-sized robots that can be controlled using magnetic fields to perform highly maneuverable and dexterous manipulations.
Augmented reality helps to see, feel and understand
X-ray vision, context-sensitive guidance, coordinator, training assistant and more: augmented reality (AR) has hit the OR.
3D printing helps surgeons correct birth defect
Lifelike fetal 3D models show anatomical details that help surgeons prepare and predict challenges for delicate and complicated surgery.
Researchers use bioprinting to create nose cartilage
Researchers have used 3D bioprinting technology to create custom-shaped cartilage. They aim to make it easier for surgeons to safely restore the features of skin cancer patients living with nasal cartilage defects after surgery.
Using 4D printing to enable spinal fusion
4D printing helps create a biomimetic microchannel scaffold made of collagen and hydroxyapatite.
3D biocomposites can repair large bone defects
Loosening hip implants can cause major damage to the bone and a simple replacement won’t suffice to carry the load during movements. Researchers have turned to bioprinting to solve this problem.
