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Effectiveness of High Frequency Surgery

 

Overview

In order to register and approve medical devices, a lot of globally different requirements have to be met. However, one uniform requirement around the world is having proof that the product is safe to use for patients, users and third parties. To evaluate the products, validations are usually based on empirical data conducted in clinical or pre-clinical studies. However, empirical studies bring certain disadvantages with them. They are difficult to conduct, expensive and involve tests on humans. The overall goal is to reduce the need for clinical trials through validated models.


In this project, high frequency (HF) surgery as a surgical technique is being investigated in collaboration with KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG to achieve this goal. The emphasis is on general open surgery and laparoscopic procedures. Even though the usage of electromedical devices is well established, proof for the effectiveness and efficiency of HF generators and device parts is still insufficient. Specific (technical) settings for these devices in the operating room are still based on experience and tradition.


Current research at ITeM

Together with our industry partner, we aim to determine the effectiveness of different settings and configurations based on the type of tissue and type of operation in HF surgery. To prove effectiveness, certain postoperative data can be collected and compared by conducting a meta-analysis. Correlations between tissue type (physiological parameters) and generator mode (technical parameters) will be investigated. Physiological and statistical modeling will be used to establish scientific correlations between electrical energy input and tissue response to predict tissue response in a biological/clinical context.

The main topics are:

  • Research on published and available clinical data
  • Meta-analysis concerning readily available and known publications (including technical parameters of HF settings)
  • Development of a model to predict tissue response under specific conditions and to get a better understanding of physiological processes during HF application


Cooperations
  • KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG