Medical innovation takes a major step forward in Alsace
On July 16, 2026, the technical platform at the IHU Strasbourg hosted a landmark medical procedure: the implantation of a cochlear implant (for profound bilateral hearing loss) that simultaneously incorporated 3D exoscopy and otologic robotics.
A Leading Clinical and Industrial Collaboration
This complex procedure was successfully performed by the surgical team in the ENT department at the Strasbourg University Hospitals, under the direction of Prof. Christian Debry (director of the IHU and head of the ENT department), and led by Prof. Anne Charpiot and Dr. Carine Eyermann. The procedure on this first adult patient relied on a combination of two complementary, state-of-the-art technologies:
- The VITOM® 3D Exoscope – Karl Storz: This high-definition visualization system projects a 3D image onto a dedicated surgical monitor. It provides optimal perception of depth and anatomical landmarks in the middle ear, improving ergonomic workflow compared to a traditional microscope.
- The RobOtol® robot – Collin Medical: The first robotic system designed specifically for ear microsurgery, it assists the surgeon in the micrometric insertion of the implant electrode into the cochlea, thereby ensuring the safety of the procedure and maximizing the preservation of the delicate structures of the inner ear.
Spreading Technology and Preparing for the Future
While this dual technological approach has already been tested in other hospitals in France, its implementation at the IHU Strasbourg and the HUS is part of a larger initiative. For the IHU Strasbourg and its partners, the challenge does not end with this initial success. Drawing on the experience gained in the field, the teams are actively participating in the development and optimization of future robots designed for ENT and other precision medical specialties.
Prospects for Research and Training
Starting in September 2026, this clinical program will get into full swing with one to two scheduled outpatient procedures per month. The upcoming integration of the ENT and neurosurgery departments will round out the institute’s areas of expertise.
Beyond the immediate benefits for patients, this activity in the technical platform will serve as the foundation for new training programs for residents, specialists, and operating room nurses (IBODE). It will also fuel ambitious translational research projects in the fields of surgery and AI-enhanced imaging, fitting naturally into the roadmap for the IHU Strasbourg’s major new collaborative projects in close partnership with the HUS.
Learn more:
- The ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) and Head and Neck Surgery Department at HUS: Click here
- VITOM® 3D Exoscope (Karl Storz): Click here
- RobOtol® robot (Collin Medical): Click here
