Professor Thomale from Charité Berlin Visits KARL STORZ

Procedures and operations have steadily improved 

"Pediatric neurosurgery is characterized by rare diseases that require individual solutions,” said Professor Thomale in the newly designed visitor center at KARL STORZ in Tuttlingen. “This requires a high number of cases, which is the case at Charité. But overall, this medical field has also developed enormously." One focus of his visit was the exchange of ideas on the further development of surgical options. Whereas classic methods used to dominate, minimally invasive surgical procedures and digital systems are now crucial. "Digital surgical preparation has also improved enormously,” said the empathetic physician. “Today, it can be transferred 1:1 to the operation – this is a major advance and makes procedures even more successful." 

KARL STORZ neuroendoscopes cover a wide range 

He particularly emphasized the importance of KARL STORZ products. "Neuroendoscopes are the basis for everything,” he said. “They are essential for many procedures in the cerebrospinal fluid system. With Lotta and Little Lotta, we can perform most operations successfully." Professor Thomale therefore expressly welcomed KARL STORZ's return to neurosurgery: "This is an enormously important step—a strong signal." Looking to the future, however, he also emphasized the need for close cooperation between medical technology companies and those on the surgical side: "New products should be developed jointly today. This way, we can exchange ideas at an early stage about what is really good and what needs to be improved."

Advocating the use of artificial intelligence

The topic of artificial intelligence (AI) was also part of the discussion. Although AI is not yet widely used in the operating room, the surgeon sees great potential here: "I don't see AI as a threat, but as an asset—especially considering the shortage of skilled workers,” he said.  “An AI solution that recognizes what stage an operation is at would be a real benefit." In this context, he also emphasized the great importance of computer-assisted surgical technology for neuroendoscopy, especially in possible interaction with AI, which should be further improved for future developments. However, his personal motivation remains unchanged: "Every day in this profession is a gift—especially when I can tell the parents after an operation that everything went well." According to Professor Thomale, he perceived KARL  STORZ as a traditional MedTech company with a strong sense of pediatric responsibility. His visit underscores the importance of the international familyowned company's ongoing dialogue with physicians worldwide for the development of innovations that directly benefit patients. 
 

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