08.04.2022 - Motol doctors used the RobOtol robotic system for the first time when inserting a cochlear implant

The RobOtol robotic arm was launched in the spring of 2019. The system originated in France, making the Czech Republic the fifth European country to use the system, after Germany, Italy and Belgium. The main indication for the use of a robotic arm is the insertion of a cochlear implant in adult and pediatric patients suffering from severe hearing damage or deafness.

"The robot helps insert the electrodes into the inner ear, eliminates the tremor of the surgeon's hand and allows you to significantly slow down the insertion rate of the electrode bundle, thus protecting the delicate structures of the inner ear. However, the robotic arm is still controlled and guided by a surgeon who, by choosing the right angle and speed of movement, ensures a gentle and safe operation. However, this is not the only indication, RobOtol can also help with other ear surgery, such as stirrup surgery, tympanoplastic surgery or application of drugs to the middle ear, " says prof. MUDr. Jan Plzak, Ph.D. Head of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, 1st Medical Faculty, Charles University and University Hospital Motol.

The main benefit of the robotic arm is the atraumatic, gentle insertion of the electrode bundle into the inner ear, characterized by minimal damage to the surrounding structures. This fact is confirmed by electrocochleographic measurements, which are performed during the operation.

"Electrocochleography is a method used during cochlear implants to monitor the condition of the cochlea during electrode insertion. This gives the surgeon the ability to adjust the insertion so that the internal structures are not damaged. If it comes into contact with the internal structures of the cochlea, the electrical response of the cells of the inner ear is reduced and the biomedical engineer can inform the surgeon that the position of the electrode needs to be adjusted. " explains Ing. Miroslav Oklusky.

On March 21, 2022, during the first operation with the RobOtol robotic arm, a cochlear implant was inserted into the inner ear of a pediatric patient at the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, 2nd Medical Faculty, Charles University and Motol University Hospital. The two-year-old boy underwent a hearing screening examination immediately after birth, during which a hearing defect was suspected, and a series of other tests diagnosed practical deafness. The patient did not understand human speech even after amplification with the best hearing aids and his speech did not develop, so he was indicated for cochlear implantation.

"During the operation, we used a robotic arm to insert the electrode on one side and on the other side we inserted the electrode in the classic way. The goal is to gently insert the electrode using a robotic arm, eliminating the factor of possible shaking of the surgeon's hand, " specifies doc. MUDr. Zdenek Cada, Ph.D. Head of the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, 2nd Medical Faculty, Charles University and University Hospital Motol.

With a cochlear implant, a small patient will hear and understand speech. We assume that he will gradually learn to speak and catch up with his hearing peers.

Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVmwM5p05FM

The University Hospital in Motol is the largest medical facility in the Czech Republic and one of the largest in Europe. It is also the main teaching base of students of the 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, and some workplaces of the 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University are also located here. FN Motol provides basic, specialized and super-specialized health care and services in the medical fields in the form of outpatient and inpatient care for children, adults and seniors. In terms of construction, it consists of two interconnected monoblocks (children's and adult part) and several separate pavilions. At the Motol University Hospital, more than one million patients are treated annually at 55 clinics.

Media Contact:

prof. MD Jan Plzák, Ph.D., e-mail: jan.plzak@fnmotol.cz
doc. MD Zdeněk Čada, Ph.D., e-mail: zdenek.cada@fnmotol.cz
Pavlína Danková, phone: 724 227 503, e-mail: pavlina.dankova@fnmotol.cz

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