Twin-Win: Innovative robot surgery for better patient safety in SH

Twin-Win: Innovative robot surgery for better patient safety in SH

As part of a future-oriented research project called Twin-Win, the development of a so-called “digital super twin” is being worked on, which could revolutionize the robot-assisted surgery. This project is indirectly coordinated by the Kurt-Semm Center of the Schleswig-Holstein University Hospital (UKSH) and is a joint project of several important institutions, including Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel (CAU), the University of Lübeck and Father Solution GmbH. The project is financed by the state of Schleswig-Holstein, which provides almost 950,000 euros and thus supports the progress of medical research.

On August 30, Digitization Minister Dirk Schrödter handed over the funding notices. In his speech, he described the position of Schleswig-Holstein as an important medical and digital location. His words reflected the anticipation of progress that Twin-Win promises: "The project offers the wonderful opportunity ... our medical high-performance locations Kiel and Lübeck as innovation locations ... to interlock."

The importance of robotary -assisted surgery

Robot -assisted surgery, known for its minimally invasive interventions, has now been recognized as a gold standard in numerous surgical areas. The surgeons control the instruments from a console, whereby the surgical field is enlarged ten times and displayed in high-resolution 3D view. This technology facilitates the implementation of complex interventions, but at the same time requires precise planning, since the view can be restricted during the procedure.

Especially when removing tumors, which are often hidden behind fat layers, surgeons face major challenges. The current process of decision -making interpreting intensive imaging diagnostics is time -consuming and can increase the operational risks. This is where the Twin-Win project comes in, which promises decisive improvements through innovative technologies.

innovation through artificial intelligence

As part of Twin-Win, the accuracy and security of the surgical interventions through artificial intelligence (AI) and new sensor-wide techniques should be significantly increased. The concept includes the creation of a digital twin of each patient who is created from 3D computer tomography data before the operation. This digital model is then combined in real time with the data from the operating room in order to offer the surgeons an improved orientation during the procedure.

The project manager, Prof. Dr. Thomas Becker, emphasizes the potential advantages of this technology for surgical practice: "We are very grateful for the support of the state of Schleswig-Holstein and are optimistic that ... we can develop a navigation tool ..." Better navigation is intended to reduce the manipulation of healthy tissue and thus reduce the risk of complications and postoperative pain. A modern navigation system could be compared to an auto navigation system that shows the best way in the surgical field.

The implementation of this promising project will require the know-how of various experts. In addition to the UKSH surgeons, material scientists, imaging experts and specialists from the areas of robotics and software development also contribute to the realization of the concept. Other institutions such as the Fraunhofer Institute and the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence are also working on the full capacity of integration into existing systems in order to significantly improve medical care.