iotaMotion Launches First Robotic-Assisted Cochlear Implant Procedure Outside the U.S

Swiss Clinical Trial Marks Key Step in Global Expansion of Precision Hearing Implant Technology

The recent deployment of iotaMotion’s iotaSOFT® Insertion System outside the United States marks a significant step forward in the evolution of cochlear implant technology. This pre-market clinical investigation, now underway at the University Hospital of Zurich under the leadership of Professor Alexander Huber, signals the global expansion of robotic-assisted systems in otologic surgery. As the first international use of iotaSOFT®, this milestone highlights the growing demand for precision tools that enhance the safety, consistency, and effectiveness of cochlear implant procedures, especially as patient expectations for hearing outcomes continue to rise.

The iotaSOFT® system is at the forefront of surgical innovation, offering speed-controlled electrode array insertion guided by real-time electrocochleography (ECochG). This level of control and feedback during implantation allows for improved protection of delicate cochlear structures, which is essential for preserving residual hearing and optimizing post-surgical programming. By linking insertion dynamics with cochlear function through ECochG signals, the system offers valuable insights that can inform future clinical strategies and individualize cochlear implant care. Previously used in over 750 cases in the U.S., its introduction to Europe reflects growing confidence in robotic-assisted technologies for complex and delicate surgical applications.

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