Robot Surgery in the Spotlight at UAS Technikum Wien

On December 5, 2024, UAS Technikum Wien became the scene of a special medical insight: together with the Vienna Health Care Network, the latest developments in robot-assisted surgery were the focus of attention under the motto “OneHealth – Automation in Surgery”. Presentations, live demonstrations and the opportunity to try out a surgical robot for themselves made the event a highlight for the participants.

Innovations for the medicine of the future

The ceremony hall of the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien was filled with interested people who listened eagerly to the presentations by leading experts. After the welcoming addresses by Franz Oberndorfer, Head of the Innovation Management Unit of the Vienna Health Association, and Barbara Czak-Pobeheim, CEO of the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien, Senior Physician Leonie Rosa de Pauli from the Donaustadt Clinic provided insights into the practical application of robotic technology and vividly described the advantages of robot-assisted technology based on her experience in urology.

Robotics is revolutionizing surgery

The development of surgical robots has opened up new dimensions in medical precision. This technology is particularly useful for minimally invasive procedures. Compared to conventional surgery, which requires larger incisions, robotics enables more precise operations with smaller wounds, shorter healing times and less pain for patients. The high degree of freedom of movement of the robot arms and the three-dimensional, enlarged view of the surgical fields improve accuracy and efficiency. A video presentation impressively showed how a DaVinci surgical robot facilitates complex procedures.

In a panel discussion with Primar Peter Razek (Surgery, Donaustadt Hospital), Jagoda Hornek (Operating Theater Nursing, Ottakring Hospital), patient Nadja Grünert, Giovanni Rubeis (Head Biomedical an Public Health Ethics, Karl Landsteiner University), Tilman Schlick, (Vice President, Intuitive) under the moderation of Sonja Kato-Mailath, the views of patients were then discussed in detail.

A look at the practice

One highlight of the event was the opportunity to test a surgical robot for themselves. In the foyer, participants were able to try out the intuitive control and mobility of the devices. This demonstrated how ergonomically and user-friendly the technology is designed. Such innovations not only make the work of surgeons easier, but also significantly increase the quality of medical care.

Advantages for patients

Robot-assisted surgery offers numerous advantages for patients. Less invasive procedures reduce stress during and after surgery. Patients often require fewer days in the hospital and less pain medication after a procedure with a surgical robot. Such advances have a positive effect on recovery and quality of life. Robotic technology is particularly useful for procedures in the small pelvis or for removing tumors in hard-to-reach areas of the body.

Science meets practice

The close collaboration between the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien and the Vienna Health Care Association was a central aspect of the event. The event highlighted how applied research and technological developments can be transferred into medical practice.

After the experts on the podium answered questions from the audience, Tilman Schlick presented his company’s latest innovations, which are advancing the field of robot-assisted surgery.

At the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien, the faculty of Life Science Engineering and the field of competence Medical Engineering & Integrated Healthcare have set themselves the task of actively shaping the future of medical technology through research and teaching.

Robot-assisted surgical systems are a wonderful example of the interdisciplinary nature of the life science degree programs. They are not only fascinating technical achievements, but also an outstanding example of the healthcare of the future.

Stefan Sauermann, Vice-Rector and Head of the Master Medical Engineering & eHealth program, and Carina Huber-Gries, Head of Faculty and Head of the Life Science Engineering Department, were also present at the event. The Faculty of Life Science Engineering offers a number of relevant degree programs in this field, including Bachelor Biomedical Engineering, Master Health and Rehabilitation Engineering, Master Medical Engineering & eHealth and Master Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine.

Some of the research priorities of the Faculty of Life Science Engineering, particularly in the areas of Bioengineering & Molecular Life Science Technologies and Data-Driven, Smart and Secure Systems, underline the important role of the UAS Technikum Wien in promoting future-oriented innovations.

Finally, the visitors exchanged ideas over a buffet and reflected on their impressions of the evening. The event impressively demonstrated how technology and medicine can go hand in hand to take healthcare in Vienna to a new level.

Further links:

Faculty of Life Science Engineering – UAS Technikum Wien

Competence Field Medical Engineering & Integrated Healthcare – UAS Technikum Wien

Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering – UAS Technikum Wien

Master’s Degree in Health and Rehabilitation– UAS Technikum Wien

Master’s Degree in Medical Engineering & eHealth – UAS Technikum Wien

Master’s Degree in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative– UAS Technikum Wien

Research Focus: Bioengineering & Molecular Life Science Technologies – UAS Technikum Wien

Research Focus: Data-Driven, Smart and Secure Systems – UAS Technikum Wien

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Together with the Vienna Health Care Association, the latest developments in robot-assisted surgery were the focus of the event “OneHealth – Automation in Surgery” at the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien on December 5, 2024.

Fotocredit: Christian Heregger

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