Revolutionizing the Operating Room: How KARL STORZ is Leveraging Alexa to Enhance Medical Efficiency

Founded 75 years ago in Tuttlingen, Germany, KARL STORZ has consistently pushed the boundaries of medical technology. Recently, the company made a strategic decision to enhance the experience for surgeons and nurses in the operating room by integrating with Alexa.

The company initially made its mark by pioneering minimally invasive surgery, a technique that allows procedures to be performed through tiny incisions, designed to reduce patient recovery time and the risk of infection. Karl Storz, the company's founder, was a visionary in endoscopy, developing some of the first rigid endoscopes which revolutionized how surgeries were conducted. Over the years, KARL STORZ has evolved from producing surgical instruments and optics to developing advanced video technology, ultimately leading to the creation of digital integration solutions for the operating room.

One of the company’s significant breakthroughs was the development of the HOPKINS® rod lens system, which improved the quality of the images seen through endoscopes. This innovation set the stage for KARL STORZ to lead in endoscopic technology. By the late 20th century, they had advanced into the field of video endoscopy, marrying their expertise in optics with cutting-edge video technology. This evolution continued into the 21st century, as KARL STORZ embraced digital integration, creating systems that bring together various technologies and information sources seamlessly in the operating room.

John Hill, the Director of Marketing for Video and Integration at KARL STORZ, encapsulates the company's journey: "We started with surgical instrumentation and optics, then moved to video cameras on telescopes, and now we've integrated these technologies into a comprehensive digital solution for operating rooms."

The CollaboratOR

Central to KARL STORZ's innovative efforts is their flagship product, CollaboratOR. This tool consolidates critical information and control mechanisms into a single, user-friendly interface within the operating room. 

Joe Hahn, Technology Manager at KARL STORZ, explains the problem CollaboratOR addresses: "An operating room typically requires the staff to manage a plethora of disparate technologies and information sources. CollaboratOR integrates these into a single pane of glass, streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency."

CollaboratOR is designed as a large touchscreen interface mounted on the wall of the operating room, providing immediate access to preoperative imaging, procedural guides, and other vital information. It consolidates multiple sources of patient information into a single interface, making it easier for staff to access and manage. The user-friendly touchscreen allows staff to interact seamlessly with the system, designed to reduce the cognitive load and enable them to focus on patient care. Additionally, CollaboratOR includes a mobile version called CollaboratOR Go, which can be used in different locations within the hospital, ensuring flexibility and mobility. Typically between 50 to 75 inches, the display offers clear and accessible visualization of critical information, enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the operating room.

Integrating with Alexa

KARL STORZ's decision to integrate Alexa into CollaboratOR was driven by a desire to further simplify and enhance the operating room experience through voice control. "We chose to partner with Amazon because of their HIPAA-compliant Alexa Smart Properties program, which ensures the privacy and security of patient data. Additionally, as existing AWS customers, the integration process was streamlined," Hahn says.

The integration allows surgeons and nurses to execute numerous tasks hands-free, which is crucial in maintaining aseptic conditions. For instance, a surgeon can use voice commands to pull up specific patient information or adjust visualizations on the CollaboratOR screen without needing to touch any surfaces. This touchless interaction is designed to be beneficial in the high-stakes, fast-paced environment of an operating room.

The integration of Alexa into CollaboratOR gives KARL STORZ a significant competitive edge. Hill highlights the competitive advantage this integration brings: "Voice control is a key enabler for clinical staff, allowing them to perform tasks that no one else in the market can execute via voice today. Our initial market feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, affirming that we are leading the way in voice-enabled operating room technology."

With Alexa, KARL STORZ offers a unique value proposition by enabling touchless interactions, designed not only to improve efficiency but also enhance the safety and sterility of the operating environment. This innovation sets KARL STORZ apart from competitors who have yet to incorporate such comprehensive voice control capabilities into their products.

KARL STORZ envisions a future where operating rooms are increasingly automated and require minimal manual intervention, allowing medical staff to dedicate more time to patient care. The integration of AI and other advanced technologies will play a significant role in achieving this vision. "Our North Star is a zero-touch integrated operating room where technology operates itself, and the staff can refocus on patient care. Voice and AI are key components of this future," Hill says.

The company is exploring various applications of AI, such as computer vision, to enhance automation and efficiency in the operating room. Joe Hahn draws an analogy to self-driving cars: "Just like a car can adjust settings based on who's driving, AI in the operating room can optimize workflows and reduce the need for manual adjustments."

Ultimately, the firm sees voice as playing an increasingly important role in future product and service offerings. 

"Our collaboration with Amazon and the integration of Alexa into CollaboratOR is just the beginning. We're excited about the future possibilities and committed to continuing our legacy of innovation," Hill says. 

Learn more about Alexa Smart Properties for Healthcare. Contact the Alexa Smart Properties team to learn about offering voice-enabled artificial intelligence (AI) experiences in your healthcare facilities.