11 Robotics in cardiovascular surgery

		Successful anastomosis performed on an explanted heart

The goal of the project is to develop tools to support surgeons performing anastomosis in coronary bypass surgery on the beating heart. Such devices should ease the time-consuming suturing process whilst simultaneously ensuring a reproducible anastomotic quality. These tools represent an important step towards minimally invasive cardiac operations through small incisions that results in reduced mortality and higher quality of life for the patients.

Semi-automatic tool for anastomosis

This device allows successful anastomoses on freshly explanted pig heart under laboratory conditions.

Tactile sensor system

This monolithically integrated tactile sensor supports the surgeons in locating and differentiating the coronary arteries from veins, as well as while search the optimal placement for the anastomosis.

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