Precision Perfected: MED-EL and CASCINATION AG Transform Otological Surgery with OTOARM and OTODRIVE

March 18, 2025 – Innsbruck, Austria: The operating room is no place for compromise, especially in otological (ear) surgery, where fractions of millimeters matter and precision is not just a goal – it is a necessity. MED-EL, a global leader in hearing implant solutions, and CASCINATION AG, pioneers in medical engineering, have joined forces to redefine what is possible in otological surgery with two groundbreaking innovations: OTOARM and OTODRIVE. These machine-assisted systems empower surgeons with enhanced precision and consistency at every step – all while preserving the human-touch and skill at the heart of every procedure.

• OTOARM and OTODRIVE aim to precision and consistency in ear surgery.
• Reducing trauma can support better recoveries and hearing results.
• MED-EL and CASCINATION AG combine expertise to advance surgical care.

Precision is the cornerstone of otological surgery, where every movement must meet the challenges of intricate anatomy. OTOARM and OTODRIVE are designed to rise to these demands, delivering unmatched accuracy, control, and consistency during delicate surgical procedures.

OTOARM: Precision in Instrument Positioning 

With an ergonomic, lightweight design and seamless adjustability, OTOARM is designed to make positioning surgical instruments simpler, more stable, and more precise. Think of it as an extra helping hand in the operating room.

Key highlights include:

• Accurate Instrument Placement: OTOARM reduces hand tremor and holds instruments exactly where they are needed, allowing precise adjustments with just one hand.
• Compact and Easy to Use: Lightweight and USB-C powered, it fits seamlessly into any operating room setup while staying out of the way of essential equipment.
• Clear View of the Surgical Field: The slim design ensures nothing obstructs the surgeon’s view, which is especially critical in delicate procedures.

OTODRIVE: Precision in Motion

Imagine enhancing surgical precision with movements as slow and steady as 0.1 mm per second. OTODRIVE enables controlled motion during ear surgeries, ensuring a gentle yet precise approach to handling delicate surgical devices.

Key features include:

• Controlled Motion: Forward and backward movement offers surgeons flexibility and full control. Compact and Modular Design: It is easy to set up, quick to integrate, and powered via USB-C, keeping surgical workflows smooth and efficient.
• Hands-Free Operation: A foot pedal lets surgeons adjust movement without ever needing to disrupt their focus on the surgical field.

Tools That Matter – for Surgeons and Patients

For surgeons, surgical tools like OTOARM and OTODRIVE represent an evolution in precision and control. These tools remove the uncertainties of manual positioning and movement, offering intuitive solutions that simplify workflows and reduce physical strain. With OTOARM’s accurate instrument stabilization and OTODRIVE’s steady, controlled motion, surgeons can perform even the most delicate procedures with confidence. The end result is fewer variables, greater consistency, and the ability to achieve predictable, repeatable success across a wide range of cases. These innovations empower surgeons to elevate their practice while maintaining focus on what truly matters – delivering the best possible outcomes for their patients.

For patients, the benefits are equally transformative. The potential for surgeons to perform procedures with enhanced accuracy, reduced natural hand tremor (improved dexterity), and reduced trauma means better preservation of the delicate structures of the inner ear – critical for those undergoing interventions like cochlear implantation. Robotic assistance demonstrates more consistent insertion speeds compared to manual techniques, significantly reducing factors associated with intracochlear trauma and highlighting its potential for improved hearing preservation. By enabling greater precision beyond human dexterity, OTOARM and OTODRIVE offer the potential to not only minimize trauma but also preserve the delicate neural and structural elements of the inner ear, optimizing the chances for better hearing outcomes. Patients with preserved hearing structures stand to gain not just today but, in the future, they are better positioned to fully benefit from ongoing breakthroughs and future innovations in hearing technology. "OTOARM and OTODRIVE represent a significant step forward in supporting surgeons towards precision cochlear implantation," says Felix Gennrich, Corporate Director of Product Management Hearing Solutions at MED-EL. "Their precision and ease of use ensure greater consistency and reliability in even the most delicate surgeries. By offering intuitive handling, enhanced stability, and refined control, these tools may help surgeons achieve precise outcomes while maintaining a clear focus on protecting the intricate structures of the inner ear. This can ultimately translate into better surgical workflows and improved results for patients undergoing life-changing interventions."

Precision Cochlear Implantation

The launch of OTOARM and OTODRIVE marks the latest in a series of otological innovations developed through the collaboration between MED-EL and CASCINATION AG. Together, the companies have also introduced world-first technologies such as HEARO, a robotic-assisted surgery system, and OTOPLAN, a 3D surgical planning and visualization software for cochlear implant procedures. As the only CI manufacturer offering anatomy-based fitting, MED-EL enables personalized cochlear implant stimulation tailored to each patient’s unique inner ear anatomy. These technologies address the practical challenges surgeons face in the operating room by prioritizing precision, consistency, and personalized solutions. MED-EL remains committed to supporting surgeons in improving surgical outcomes and enhancing hearing potential, which will allow patients to fully benefit from advances in cochlear implant technology.

Discover online how OTOARM and OTODRIVE are making ear surgery safer and smarter.

About CASCINATION AG

CASCINATION AG is an award-winning medical technology company from Bern (Switzerland) dedicated to the development, manufacturing and commercialization of innovations in computer-assisted and image-guided surgery. The company’s navigation systems and surgical robots are designed to improve outcomes for patients undergoing surgical or interventional procedures and offer new perspectives to patients worldwide.

About MED-EL 

MED-EL Medical Electronics, a leader in implantable hearing solutions, is driven by a mission to overcome hearing loss as a barrier to communication and quality of life. The Austrian-based, privately owned business was co-founded by industry pioneers Ingeborg and Erwin Hochmair, whose ground-breaking research led to the development of the world’s first micro-electronic multi-channel cochlear implant (CI), which was successfully implanted in 1977 and was the basis for what is known as the modern CI today. This laid the foundation for the successful growth of the company in 1990, when they hired their first employees. To date, MED-EL has more than 2,900 employees from around 90 nations and 30 locations worldwide.
The company offers the widest range of implantable and non-implantable solutions to treat all types of hearing loss, enabling people in 137 countries enjoy the gift of hearing with the help of a MED-EL device. MED-EL’s hearing solutions include cochlear and middle ear implant systems, a combined electric acoustic stimulation hearing implant system, auditory brainstem implants as well as surgical and non-surgical bone conduction devices. www.medel.com   

CEO

Doz. DI Dr DDr med. h.c. Ingeborg Hochmair

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