Can you envision other medical technology applications for this technology?
Löffler: We have also discussed the use of spatulas in surgery and how they facilitate access to surgical sites with our medical counterpart Prof. Dirk Winkler from the Department of Neurosurgery at the University Hospital Leipzig. Spine surgeons face similar challenges and the question is whether it is also possible to limit any secondary injuries by monitoring and visualizing the amount of exerted force and stress in this setting. As you can see, this set of problems is by no means limited to brain surgery.
What are the next steps in this project?
Löffler: Right now, our industry partner, Micro-Hybrid Electronic GmbH in Hermsdorf, is developing the hardware. I am sure we can soon proceed to conduct the first tests and develop the data analysis software. We then want to use the first prototype to study the possibilities and limitations of the sensor-based spatula.
Seidel: We have already set up a test site here in Zwickau to conduct automated measurements. Later on, we want to study the forces exerted in animal models.
Löffler: This will once again be done in collaboration with the Department of Neurosurgery at the University Hospital Leipzig. As of now, the project will conclude by the end of 2020. The upcoming tests will reveal other possibilities and options that might result from these assessments.