04 Oto-Rhino-Laryngology

		Prototypical ORL navigation with robotic interface

The aim of this project is to develop integrated clinical systems for computer-assisted support in ORL surgery. This involves new registration techniques, innovative tissue engineering technologies and smart instrumentation. Precise navigation, size reduction and intra-operative feedback of sensor-equipped surgical instruments in ORL are explored, and a miniature robot for the support of hearing aid implantation is developed.

Work Packages

WP 1 - Cartilage Tissue Engineering for ORL Applications

Investigation of cartilage tissue engineering for reconstructive ORL surgery aims at individual treatment planning and support, by achieving an optimal process for the culture of individual cartilage tissue. It determines the appropriate scaffold geometry and delivers precise, tissue-engineered constructs to the surgical site.

WP 2 - Advanced Surgical Instrumentation for ORL and CMF Applications

Sensor-equipped surgical instruments which allow for the monitoring loads and moments are developed. A first approach includes forceps to close the noose of the prosthesis during a stapedectomy (surgical procedure of the middle ear performed to improve hearing by removing the stapes bone and replacing it with a micro prosthesis).

WP 3 - Image-based Registration Strategies and Integrated Clinical Systems for Computer-assisted Support in ORL Surgery

An autonomous drilling robot with breakthrough detection to perform the cochleostomy (opening of the inner ear spaces of the cochlea) is developed.

Project Coordination