Basics
Robotic Ear Surgery
Updated September 2024
2024 First entirely robotic cochlear implant surgery
2020 CE mark for HEARO
2016 First clinical procedure in humans
2014 Feasibility research
In 2014, a Swiss group published their initial research utilizing a robotic system for ear surgery; in 2016, they conducted the inaugural procedure on a human subject. Unlike the da Vinci system, which is not a true robot, this system indeed qualified as one: the surgical robot itself, once programmed and provided with the appropriate parameters, undertakes the milling of the temporal bone.
Later developments focused on the slow and smooth insertion of the electrode´s array.
The application of robotics in ear surgery delineates a realm distinct from that of robotics in Head&Neck Surgery. The anatomical environment, pathology, and specific objectives entail markedly distinct developments from those of soft tissue surgery.
Where are we now?
Williamson T, Du X, Bell B, Coulson C, Caversaccio M, Proops D, Brett P, Weber S. Mechatronic feasibility of minimally invasive, atraumatic cochleostomy. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:181624. doi: 10.1155/2014/181624
Caversaccio M, Gavaghan K, Wimmer W, Williamson T, Ansò J, Mantokoudis G, Gerber N, Rathgeb C, Feldmann A, Wagner F, Scheidegger O, Kompis M, Weisstanner C, Zoka-Assadi M, Roesler K, Anschuetz L, Huth M, Weber S. Robotic cochlear implantation: surgical procedure and first clinical experience. Acta Otolaryngol. 2017 Apr;137(4):447-454. doi: 10.1080/00016489.2017.1278573
Abari J, Heuninck E, Topsakal V. Entirely robotic cochlear implant surgery. Am J Otolaryngol. 2024 Sep-Oct;45(5):104360. doi: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2024.104360.
Learn more:
J Granell
Robotic Surgeon
Whether you are a medical professional seeking in-depth knowledge or an individual interested in expanding your understanding, whether you seek to explore the nuances of robotic surgical systems, understand their benefits, or stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, this website serves as a resource for gaining a deeper understanding of this rapidly evolving field.
Ear surgery robotic systems
Current systems
The HEARO device, by CASCINATION (Bern, Switzerland) was designed to drill a tunnel from the surface of the temporal bone to the cochlea for cochlear implantation.
It got the CE mark in 2020 and it is already in the market.
Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KT9cnK0r9bc&t=147s
Soon
Obsolete and discontinued systems
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