Exoskeleton help for ear surgeons during tiny, delicate operations

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study compares ENT surgeons performing microscopic ear procedures with and without an exoskeleton system. It uses surface EMG to measure muscle activity and asks surgeons to rate their pain and strain at regular intervals during surgery. Data are collected from a single site to assess whether the exoskeleton lowers physical load and discomfort without altering standard surgical practice. The goal is to see if the exoskeleton can reduce musculoskeletal strain during tympanomastoid and related procedures.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* ENT surgeons who perform a range of microscopic ear surgery including tympanomastoid surgery and hearing implants.
* Willing to participate with surface EMG (sEMG) monitoring and utilise the Ottobock exoskeleton

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pre-existing musculoskeletal problems that limits procedures under microscope and tympanomastoid surgery
* Unable to perform surgery using the exoskeleton

Where it's running

• Lister Hospital, East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust
  Stevenage, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Ananth Vijendren — East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust
• Study coordinator: Ananth Vijendren, BM, FRCS (ORL-HNS), PhD
• Email: Ananth.vijendren1@nhs.net
• Phone: +441438288019

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.