Translational research refers to the process of translating scientific knowledge and ideas into clinical practice and treatment. Translational surgery is a specific domain of translational research focusing on improving surgical treatment and outcomes. The goal of translational surgery is to use basic scientific discoveries for the development of new surgical innovations and translate them effectively into patient treatment.
A critical factor in increasing innovativeness and quality of care will be how quickly new technologies and innovations can be translated into education and patient care. For such translation to be effective and successful, research must be conducted as early as possible in the field. However, easy access to the real-life operating room is extremely difficult due to the high demands on patient safety and regulations.
How can robotic research in the lab be succesfully translated to the real surgery? The journey from laboratory-based robotic research to its seamless integration into real surgical settings is an intricate process that demands strategic planning, rigorous testing, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
The OR-X closes the domain gap between the laboratory and the application in the field - the real operating room. Research and development can take place in a real surgical environment but without the regulatory and technical hurdles of a real operating room. A large part of the learning curve of surgeons can take place in the OR-X and thus outside of patient care and the operating room.
Digitization as part of technological transformation will have a sustainable impact on the development of the healthcare sector over the coming years. In fact, technology will be the most important lever for advancing treatment quality while limiting the cost explosion, thereby addressing the major global healthcare challenges posed by an ageing society.
The OR-X tackles the key determining factors of digitalization in surgery: