Sapphire blade: durability, sharpness, and light

The first step toward the new tool is a scalpel with a sapphire blade. Thanks to its high hardness, it offers more than fifty times the lifespan compared to surgical steel while also providing excellent serviceability. Chemical resistance allows repeated disinfection even with aggressive agents without damage, while extreme hardness makes it possible to sharpen a thinner cutting edge for a more precise cut, which will also be appreciated by robotic applications. Transparency is also key: the blade can be backlit and the tip highlighted, improving visibility directly at the point of incision.

Towards a smart scalpel

Another plan is a smart scalpel. Sapphire’s non-conductivity makes it possible to integrate resistive sensors into the blade, helping to distinguish tissue types. The instrument could thus provide the surgeon with immediate feedback via backlighting, for example to warn of unintended contact with tissue that should not be cut. The goal is to increase both the safety and precision of procedures, including robotically assisted operations.

The team, in cooperation with the University of Žilina, also designed a structural solution for the sapphire material and obtained the first 3D-printed prototype, which will serve as a basis for further development. Sapphire has long been proven in terms of hardness and wear resistance, known for example from the bearings of mechanical watches with practically lifetime durability. The project also included studies on deployment options and other potential applications. The team rates the implementation positively and, after completing the first stage, plans to continue developing the technology.