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Medical Assistance Systems (Ulrich Hagn)

In the key research area of Medical Assistance Systems, findings in space and service robotics are reinterpreted and transferred to the field of medicine. Core technologies like efficient drives, mechatronics, telerobotics, sensors and planning systems are relevant to space applications as well as to technical systems in medicine. These technologies are researched and applied to the two main topics: medical robotics and active implants.

• Development of the MiroSurge telerobotic system for minimally invasive surgery:
  • MIRO: robot arm for a variety of surgical applications
  • MICA: minimally invasive instrument with force-torque-sensing capabilities for robot- assisted surgery
  • Telepresence concepts with force-feedback o Planning systems for the efficient use of robotic systems in the operating room
  • Simulation systems for the design of new surgical workflows and instruments, as well as for surgical training
  • Ultrasound and force feedback based tissue exploration o Image processing for tissue and instrument localization as well as for motion compensation
• Robot-assisted, navigated osteotomy with laser and conventional instruments
• The DLR bi-ventricular assist device (DLR VAD) is designed for the long-term support of patients with severe cardiac insufficiency.
• A wireless energy- and data transmission system is developed to power the fully implantable DLR VAD without the need of drivelines. The wireless transmission technology improves patient’s mobility and reduces the risk of infections.