MED-EL and CASCINATION AG Collaborate to Advance Surgical Care at Manchester Royal Infirmary
Manchester, UK – 14 August 2025 – Precision is crucial in any surgical procedure, especially in ear surgery where even the smallest error can have a significant impact. In a groundbreaking achievement for UK healthcare, Emma Stapleton FRCS, Consultant Otolaryngologist and Surgeon at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, has successfully performed the UK’s first cochlear implant surgeries using OTODRIVE* and OTOARM systems.
These cutting-edge technologies have been developed collaboratively by hearing implant leader MED-EL and medical engineering innovator CASCINATION AG. They are designed to support surgeons in achieving greater control and consistency during cochlear implant surgery, while still preserving the expertise and human touch that is essential in every procedure.
How the Technology Works
OTODRIVE allows surgeons to insert cochlear implant electrodes with highly controlled motion, even at slow speeds of 0.1 mm per second, enabling a more precise and stable surgical approach. OTOARM assists in positioning surgical tools with high accuracy, reducing the impact of natural hand tremors and enabling smoother and more consistent movements.
Surgeon’s Perspective
When asked about being the first surgeon in the UK to use these precision tools for otologic surgery, Emma shared her thoughts:
“It’s a great honor! I am grateful for the support from MED-EL and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust in implementing these technologies.”
She also expressed her initial impressions of the systems, stating:
“It’s a sleek and elegant system that is easy to set up and use. It attaches to the operating table and can be maneuvered easily before and after draping. I was also impressed with its compatibility with the operating microscope, which I initially thought would be a challenge. It did not add much time to the procedure, just a few extra minutes.”
Patient Reactions
Emma also offered insights from her conversations with her patients about the new technologies.
“They both trusted us to provide the best care for them. One of them had done a lot of research on robotic cochlear implant surgery. When I explained the benefits of OTODRIVE and its slow and smooth insertion of electrodes, he understood the importance of this feature.”
Supporting Precision in Surgery
For surgeons, these tools are designed to reduce physical strain and simplify workflows, allowing them to focus on providing the best possible care. For patients, the increased precision during cochlear implant surgery may help:
– Minimize trauma to the cochlea
– Preserve delicate inner ear structures
– Retain any remaining residual hearing [1][2]
This groundbreaking achievement at Manchester Royal Infirmary is part of a global wave of innovation in cochlear implant surgery. The UK now joins leading centers around the world in adopting machine-assisted precision tools that are revolutionizing the future of hearing care.
To learn more about OTODRIVE and OTOARM systems, visit: https://blog.medel.com/technology/cochlear-implant-surgery/
*CASCINATION AG is the legal manufacturer of OTODRIVE, while MED-EL is the exclusive distributor.
References
1. Chen, J.M., Lin, V.Y.W., Le, T.N., Spiegel, J.L., Ungar, O.J., Bajin, M.D., Ladak, H.M. and Agrawal, S. (2025). Synchrotron-Based Trauma Assessment of Robotic Electrode Insertions in Cochlear Implantation. The Laryngoscope. https://doi.org/10.1002/lary.32254
2. Aebischer, P., Anschuetz, L., Caversaccio, M., Mantokoudis, G., & Weder, S. (2025). Quantitative in-vitro assessment of a novel robot-assisted system for cochlear implant electrode insertion. International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery, 20, 323–332. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11548-024-03276-y
…ENDS…
About CASCINATION AG
CASCINATION AG is an award-winning medical technology company based in Bern, Switzerland. It is dedicated to developing, manufacturing, and commercializing innovations in computer-assisted and image-guided surgery. The company’s navigation systems and surgical robots aim to improve outcomes for patients undergoing surgical or interventional procedures and offer new perspectives to patients worldwide.
About MED-EL
MED-EL Medical Electronics is a leader in implantable hearing solutions, driven by a mission to overcome hearing loss as a barrier to communication and quality of life. The Austrian-based, privately owned company was co-founded by industry pioneers Ingeborg and Erwin Hochmair, whose groundbreaking research led to the development of the world’s first micro-electronic multi-channel cochlear implant (CI). This implant, successfully placed in 1977
