The Robotic Technologies
In clinical and surgical fields, robotic technologies are revolutionizing approaches to procedures, enhancing accuracy, safety, and effectiveness. We explore these innovations with Professor Vincenzo Ferrari, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Pisa and leader of Spoke 9 of THE, to understand how they translate into new opportunities for patients and clinical practice.
Customized technologies for surgery. In Spoke 9, we are developing advanced technologies for surgical customization, aiming to tailor interventions to the specific needs of each patient. In collaboration with the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies and the Universities of Florence and Siena, these solutions are applied across a wide range of surgical specialties, supporting increasingly precise and personalized surgery.
Intraoperative 3D scanner. One of the most significant innovations is the adoption of a mobile CBCT 3D scanner, which can be used directly in the operating room. This technology allows real-time visualization of the patient’s anatomy, providing surgeons with a detailed, dynamic view during surgery. Essential for complex operations like the reduction of comminuted fractures, the scanner is also used in spinal procedures, providing a 3D “map” that guides the surgeon and reduces the margin of error.
Virtual reconstruction and advanced training. Through virtual reconstruction, clinicians can simulate and plan surgical procedures in a digital environment. This technology not only facilitates the preparation for complex operations but also serves as an advanced training tool, allowing physicians to practice in realistic scenarios without needing to be in the operating room. The University of Siena is developing innovative protocols to optimize operating room organization, using simulations to refine each phase of the surgery.
Innovations in surgical guidance techniques. Within Spoke 9, advanced guidance techniques for assisted surgery are being experimented with and refined. Many of these technologies are developed in-house by the team, with the aim of providing intelligent supports to surgeons and improving the quality of procedures.
Through the synergy between technological research and clinical application, THE ecosystem enables a unique interaction between advanced robotics and personalized surgery. The result is significant progress in the precision and effectiveness of care, contributing to improved quality of life for patients and opening new horizons for the medicine of the future.
