Operating room technology provider KARL STORZ has announced the integration of Amazon Alexa into its operating rooms to streamline surgical workflows.

This innovative move, marking a first in the market, will utilise Alexa Smart Properties, a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant voice assistant, within KARL STORZ’s integrated operating systems.

The integration of voice assistance technology is set to alleviate the administrative load on clinical teams.

By enabling hands-free operation of equipment and documentation, the surgical staff can now concentrate more on patient care.

Surgeons and scrubbed-in team members will gain unprecedented control over case setups, surgical visualisation adjustments, and staff communication, all while maintaining sterility.

The team of surgeons can execute these works from any location within the operating theatre without ever having to touch any equipment.

This development is expected to boost efficiency and patient focus during surgical procedures.

The voice-activated control system will be offered as an extension of KARL STORZ's interactive ecosystem, the CollaboratOR, for integrated operating rooms.

This Alexa-enabled operating room by KARL STORZ is ready for immediate deployment in the US, the company noted.

KARL STORZ offers endoscopic technology and surgical imaging solutions across a wide range of surgical specialities.

The German-based company has a global presence through its subsidiaries and its integrated operating room solutions are crafted to enhance clinical operations.

KARL STORZ United States Surgical Sales & Marketing VP Christy Gaudet said: “This partnership with Amazon brings us one step closer to a touchless operating room, where the technology works for the clinical team—not the other way around.”