Research Services

ADVANCED RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE FOR SURGICAL INNOVATION

Recognized as a national research infrastructure in the SERI Roadmap of Research Infrastructures 2023, the OR-X serves as a unique platform for translational research in surgical technology, robotics and medical imaging. Within its state-of-the-art operating room environment, researchers, start-ups and R&D teams from universities, hospitals and the MedTech industry can collect data, integrate systems, develop surgical methods and conduct validation studies under real clinical conditions. Each project is supported by our experienced OR staff, who oversee specimen preparation, instrumentation and imaging, ensuring efficient workflows and reliable results.

To structure and streamline these activities, our research services follow a 4-tier strategy supported by three specialized technological units that provide dedicated expertise for surgical research and innovation.

3 Technological Units for Surgical R&D

3 Technological Units for Surgical R&D

1. Intraoperative Imaging

At the core of this unit lies the integration of advanced intraoperative imaging technologies with robotics such as robotic ultrasound and robotic computed tomography, complemented by innovative sensor systems including depth sensors, hyperspectral imaging and photogrammetry. This combination allows researchers to harness the full potential of intraoperative visualization and to develop new image-based methods that enhance surgical decision-making and error prevention.

2. Surgical Data Science

Building on a high-performance computing network and Nvidia DGX infrastructure, this domain enables real-time data acquisition, AI-driven analysis and machine learning applications tailored to surgical innovation. By translating complex surgical data into actionable insights, it paves the way for evidence-based advancements in surgical practice.

3. Surgical Execution and Translation

Focusing on the practical application of new technologies, this area utilizes computer-assisted surgery systems, augmented reality, haptic feedback devices and surgical robotics as a versatile testbed for prototyping, verification and validation. These capabilities accelerate the translation of surgical innovations from concept to clinical use.

Scientific Integration Services

To ensure seamless research execution, our Scientific Integration Services provide expert support for the implementation of user-specific technologies, methods, and prototypes within and across all three research units.

ADDITIONAL RESEARCH SERVICES

ADDITIONAL RESEARCH SERVICES

The services of the OR-X's three technology units can be complemented by additional R&D services provided by the research units of Balgrist.

  • 3D Planning and Printing Center: Offers anatomical segmentation, 3D surgical planning, post-experimental evaluations, and 3D printing of custom surgical instruments and device mounts.
  • Unit for Clinically Applied Research: Supports researchers with ethical and regulatory guidance, study design, and documentation for clinical and translational studies.
  • Digital Medicine Group: Facilitates FAIR data principles, multimodal data fusion, AI model deployment, and seamless device integration into the OR-X network.

By combining cutting-edge surgical research infrastructure with complementary R&D services, the OR-X provides a comprehensive ecosystem for medical innovation and technology translation.

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Equipment Gallerie

Research with the highest-quality equipment
Research with the highest-quality equipment
Cutting-edge research in motion
Cutting-edge research in motion
Intraoperative Imaging in the operating room
Intraoperative Imaging in the operating room
A robotic arm assisting a surgical procedure
A robotic arm assisting a surgical procedure