University Hospital Zurich tests surgical robots for cochlear implants

(CONNECT) The University Hospital of Zurich is the first user of the iotaSOFT Insertion System from iotaMotion outside the USA. The robot-assisted system for cochlear implant surgery was tested as part of a clinical study in Zurich under the direction of Professor Alexander Huber. The flagship technology of the Minnesota-based medtech company enables a slow and even introduction of the electrode array in order to protect sensitive structures in the inner ear, according to its press release.

The cochlea is also called the cochlea because of its shape and is the part of the inner ear where the actual sensation of sound is located. Cochlear implants can help people with severe hearing problems. In the USA, the system for inserting cochlear implants has reportedly already been used in more than 750 cases.

Professor Huber emphasizes the importance of this collaboration: "The introduction of this new robotic technology for cochlear implants at the University of Zurich was extremely important for our team. This will allow us to further improve the provision of cochlear implants and explore techniques that have never been used clinically before this study."

iotaMotion also describes this first expansion outside the USA as an important milestone: "The team in Zurich is an excellent partner and we look forward to continuing our collaboration." ce/mm