HearRestore

Image-guided microsurgery for hearing aid implantation

Stefan Weber
University of Bern
1
Partners
University of Bern
ARTORG Center
Institute for Surgical Technologies &
Biomechanics
CSEM
Inselspital Bern
Department ENT Surgery
Neuroradiology
Neurology

2
Cochlear Implants

65000 implants p.a.

Deaf patients
3
Drivers

Patients
Minimally invasive and atraumatic
Consistent outcome

Surgeons
Precision access to entry point
Easy electrode insertion
Complete control over procedure

4
Drivers

Health care delivery system

Conventional OR setting
Equal or lower costs

Implant technology
Compatible with all existing electrodes
Enable future research & development

5
Robotic Cochlear implantation

Minimally invasive
Atraumatic
Consistent
6
2013

7
2017

8
Technology outcome

Demonstrated potential of robotic surgery

in CI
Development of
Dedicated robotic system
Surgery planning and modelling
Precision stereotactic image-guidance
In-situ assessment of tissue properties
Ex-vivo, animal research trials to validate
First in Man clinical trials ongoing
9
Translation aspects

3 patients treated (KEK and Swissmedic

approved)
Build evidence base for clinical benefit
International multi-center trials in
preparation
Health technology assessment (GB, GER,
US)
Create awareness among surgeons
Development of sustainable business
10
Clinical outcome

Resulted in translation into clinical

application
Completion of worlds first robotic CI in
man (n=3)
Proof of concept for robotic microsurgery
Treatment modality beyond human skills

11
Hearo - Robotic Cochlea implantation

12
Real-term economic impact

Licensing of technology to industry

consortium of
CAScination AG, Bern
Med-El GmbH, Innsbruck
2 future product lines created
Strong IP protection
Investment of >6 Mio CHF (in CH, 2015-
2018)
CE marking and commercial launch: 2017
13
Impact: Hearo Product Line (release:
Q2/2017)

14
Impact: Otoplan Product Line (release:
Q4/2017)

Computer assisted Cochlear Implantation 15

Scientific dissemination

40 research articles published or in

process:
Conference papers: 23
Journal articles: 14 published + 3 in
review
6 PhD projects
2 finished in 2015
4 to be finished during 2017

16
Further scientific & translation projects

Industry projects / Licensing

3 CTI projects
Zeptotrack
PosBone
MIRACI: triple leverage for commercial
project
in preparation:
CTI with UNIBE, EMPA
private investors
17
Thank You

18