Insight 45 - Magazine - Page 34
Exoskeleton technology used in
double lung transplant in world
first trial at Harefield Hospital
T
he world’s first double lung
transplant using AI enabled
exoskeleton technology has
taken place at Harefield Hospital, part of
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation
Trust (GSTT). The technology, which
was supplied by wearable tech and
safety experts, St Albans based Stanley,
was trialled as part of a seven hour
overnight operation on a 62 year old
female with end stage lung disease and
was performed by Mr Espeed Khoshbin
Cardiothoracic surgeon.
After the operation, Mr Khoshbin
commented:
“Using the exoskeleton suit, including
taking it on and off, was remarkably
straightforward. The suit was
comfortable throughout the procedure
and I felt a significant reduction in my
upper body strain. This is important
because so many cardiothoracic and
transplant surgeons suffer from neck
and back-related musculoskeletal
issues which can negatively impact their
careers. Our patient is progressing very
well and recovering swiftly from her
surgery.”
The trial has been spearheaded by Mr
Aamir Amin, Cardiothoracic Surgical
Resident and Honorary Research Fellow
at the hospital, working in collaboration
with Hertfordshire based Health and
Safety consultants, Stanley, who advised
on the best equipment to trial, supplied
the HAPO exoskeleton suit and provided
suitable training to the surgical team.
Graham Sharp, Managing Director of
Stanley said:
We’re thrilled with the success of the
trial and how effectively the exoskeleton
suit supported the demands of a long
surgical procedure. We have seen a
lot of success with this AI wearable
technology in a range of health care
34
Pictured. Mr Khoshbin with the surgical team at Harefield Hospital, London.
"AI wearable
technology is
proving to be game
changing for the
Health and Safety
sector in the UK"
settings, including in care homes, where
carers are moving and lifting patients on
a regular basis. Our role in this trial has
been to advise on the best technology for
this type of procedure and subsequent
training and supply of the HAPO
exoskeleton.
bIZ4BIZ INSIGHT MAGAZINE | JUNE 2025
“AI wearable technology is proving to
be game changing for the Health and
Safety sector in the UK, with equipment
like lightweight exoskeleton suits and
wearable SmartBelts, able to help
cut accident and injury rates in UK
workplaces.”
Mr Aamir Amin, from Harefield Hospital
who was behind the trial said:
“Surgeons are superheroes without capes,
but now we get to wear cool suits! Our goal
with this project is to provide a solution for
ergonomic challenges that surgeons face
on a daily basis so that they keep doing
what they do best - for as long as possible.”
The team are now working with Stanley as
they step into the next phase of the project
evaluating the long-term benefits of its
use.