The future of medicine lies in the networking of technologies

Exchange data between medical devices from different manufacturers in a secure and user-friendly way: The answer to this is IEEE 11073 Service-oriented device connectivity (SDC). A networking technology that is primarily used in operating theatres and clinics and was co-developed at the University of Leipzig. Prof. Dr Thomas Neumuth, Technical Director of the Innovation Centre for Computer Assisted Surgery (ICCAS), explains the special features and current developments of this dynamic technical interface in an interview. The technology has the potential to change the healthcare landscape in the long term, he says. From 18 to 20 October, leading industrial companies will be exchanging ideas at a workshop on medical networking technologies at ICCAS.

Prof. Neumuth, why has it been a matter of course in consumer electronics for years to network devices and software, but such a lengthy process in medicine?

The delay in networking medical devices compared to consumer electronics is due to the strict regulatory requirements in medicine. As errors can harbour serious health risks, safety and reliability are top priorities. In addition, medical systems are often complex and require careful integration into clinical workflows, which poses additional challenges in terms of technology and organisation. In contrast, consumer electronics enable faster product development. However, standards such as IEEE 11073 SDC represent significant progress towards interoperability and have the potential to improve healthcare in the long term.

What advantages does this technical interface offer in day-to-day work for healthcare professionals?

The new interface technology acts like a universal translator between medical devices from different manufacturers. It facilitates communication and data transfer, much like a USB port in computer technology. This allows healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care instead of solving technical inconsistencies. In addition, the interface facilitates data-based decisions, such as automatically activating devices immediately before use, and promotes cost efficiency by increasing device compatibility. All in all, it improves both the efficiency and quality of healthcare.

How widespread is the IEEE 11073 SDC technology, which you played a major role in developing as part of a major nationwide lighthouse project, in practice now?

The lighthouse project, which ICCAS played a major role in developing, ended in 2016, after which the important phase of international standardisation began. The networking technology has been recognised as an ISO and IEEE standard since 2019. This recognition marks a decisive milestone and is an acknowledgement of years of research and development work. The first medical devices using this technology have been available on the market from leading medical technology manufacturers since 2022. The first European hospitals also began integrating the technology into their day-to-day care in 2022. This is a promising sign that the technology is gaining momentum and finding its way into clinical practice.

At this year's DMEA trade fair, one of the most important events for digital healthcare, companies from America and China were very interested in the IEEE 11073 SDC technology – what does this mean for you?

For our research and work at the Innovation Centre for Computer Assisted Surgery (ICCAS), the keen interest in the technology at this year's DMEA trade fair, especially from companies from America and China, has several implications. It emphasises the global relevance of our research and development work and opens doors for international collaborations, which is crucial for the transfer of research results into practice. It also shows that the market for such technologies is growing, which in turn encourages and accelerates research and development in this area. It is encouraging to see that the importance of efficient and secure networking of medical devices is being recognised worldwide and that the quality of global healthcare is being driven by ICCAS technologies.

More information: The Innovation Centre for Computer Assisted Surgery (ICCAS) develops digital technologies for future clinical applications. ICCAS is an interdisciplinary institute and research centre of the Faculty of Medicine at Leipzig University and the university transfer centre for medical technology in Central Germany. Experts from the fields of medicine, computer science and engineering work together to develop innovative medical technologies to improve diagnoses, therapy decisions and surgical interventions.

Further information
Prof. Dr Thomas Neumuth
Technical Director ICCAS
Phone: 0341 97-12001
Email: thomas.neumuth@iccas.de