Incisions – Insights 2025: Sustainability in the OR | Green Hospital
On June 25, 2025, the workshop “Incisions – Insights: Sustainability in the OR | Green Hospital” was held once again at the Institute of Clinical Anatomy at the University of Tübingen. This created a practical platform for exchange between medicine, medical technology, and science.
The Key Players of the Event “Incisions – Insights: Sustainability in the OR | Green Hospital”
/ Copyright: Peter Hartung/ BioRegio STERN Management GmbHAfter the welcome address by Prof. Dr. Bernhard Hirt and opening remarks from Dr. Klaus Eichenberg and Dr. Steffen Hüttner, a live broadcast from the operating room followed. Medical directors and senior physicians performed various surgical procedures on anatomical specimens. The operations were transmitted to the lecture hall, providing the basis for an intensive discussion with medical technicians and engineers participating both online and on-site.
Dr. Klaus Eichenberg, Managing Director of BioRegio STERN Management GmbH, welcomed the participants.
/ Copyright: Peter Hartung/ BioRegio STERN Management GmbH
Dr. Steffen Hüttner represents the Association for the Promotion of Biotechnology and Medical Technology (e.V.) as its chairman.
/ Copyright: Peter Hartung/ BioRegio STERN Management GmbHLively Discussion with Clear Positions
The subsequent discussion round was characterized by well-founded professional contributions and open exchange. Key points of tension became clear:
- The economic conflict of objectives was explicitly named: hospitals often cannot pay higher prices for sustainable products, while sustainable solutions on the manufacturers’ side are frequently more expensive.
- Intelligent, viable concepts are needed to bridge this contradiction — including regulatory and approval-related adjustments.
- Public pressure towards sustainability is increasing, with clear political mandates — for example, regarding the use of PFAS (“forever chemicals”) — being demanded.
- The question “single-use or reusable?” could not be answered in a one-size-fits-all way.
- The future of surgical instruments may lie in hybrid solutions: as reusable as possible, with sensitive parts continuing as single-use products.
Stations in the OR: Practice-Oriented Exchange
In the second part of the workshop, participants moved to the OR area. Selected topics were explored in greater depth at various stations.
Dr. Marie Reumann, Medical Director of the Clinical Study Center at BG Trauma Clinic Tübingen, reported on the SustainMed project.
/ Copyright: Peter Hartung/ BioRegio STERN Management GmbHA special highlight was the SustainMed project station, supervised by Dr. Marie Reumann (BG Klinik Tübingen). Visitors were able to examine pilot products from the project such as disposable gloves, surgical kits, and single-use vs. reusable instruments — including a hands-on comparison, for example, between disposable and reusable scissors.
Additionally, the project’s digital platform was demonstrated. Interested attendees could download the market compass study on-site, which summarizes key results from SustainMed. You can find more information here.
Outlook
The workshop “Incisions – Insights” offers not only knowledge transfer but also concrete development impulses for sustainable medical technology. The next edition is already scheduled for June 10, 2026.
We thank all contributors and participants for the intensive exchange and great commitment.
Expert Panel
Prof. Dr. Markus D. Enderle, Managin Director, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer, Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH
/ Copyright: Peter Hartung/ BioRegio STERN Management GmbHProf. Dr. Bernhard Hirt, Medical Director, Institute of Clinical Anatomy and Cell Analysis at Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, led the panel discussion.
/ Copyright: Peter Hartung/ BioRegio STERN Management GmbHProf. Dr. Igor Tsaur, Medical Director, University Clinic for Urology Tübingen
/ Copyright: Peter Hartung/ BioRegio STERN Management GmbHProf. Dr. Peter P. Pott, Institute Director, Institute for Medical Device Technology, University of Stuttgart
/ Copyright: Peter Hartung/ BioRegio STERN Management GmbHHolger Diemer, Deputy Commercial Director, University Hospital Tübingen
/ Copyright: Peter Hartung/ BioRegio STERN Management GmbHLive-Operation
Live-Übertragung vom OP-Saal zu den Experten im Hörsaal
/ Copyright: Peter Hartung/ BioRegio STERN Management GmbHInteractive part at the stations
Program for review
Download program (in german):
BioRegio STERN Management GmbH