Exploring the Latest Innovations in Robotic Surgical Technology

In the past ten years, the range of surgical procedures performed robotically has grown as a result of advancements in both hardware and software. Manufacturers are also building smaller, more specialised equipment that promises to reduce integration costs and increase access.

Today, gallbladders are routinely removed by a surgeon on one continent from a patient on another, using robotic telesurgery. Voice-activated robotic arms and haptic feedback provide surgeons with the control they need to perform surgery. It will be interesting to see how this technology continues to evolve and what we can expect in the next ten years. 

What Are Some Interesting New and Improved Robotic Surgical Systems in Use?

In four critical areas—adjustable stiffness, detectability, bendability, and controllability—newer colonoscopic surgical robots showed advances. It has been reported how a tiny robotic device called Endotics, which moves like a vacuum-based inchworm, can improve the precision of colonoscopic diagnostics and surgery.

Similarly, to get around these issues and improve control over the bending portion, a unique constrained tendon-driven serpentine mechanism (CTSM) has been developed.

An innovative soft robot, the NeoGuide colonoscopy system combines compliance, safe body interface, actuation and sensing, enhanced dexterity, and a larger workspace. This makes use of an entirely articulating computer-assisted insertion tube that resembles a snake. The tip of the scope determines the orientation of each subsequent segment, enabling the tube to assume various forms at various insertion depths. Additionally, it features variable stiffness control to avoid uncomfortable or insufficient endoscopy.

Based on a CTSM with SMA actuators, the Minimally Invasive Neurosurgical Intracranial Robot (MINIR) is another more recent robot utilised for brain tumour excision. The Flex system can perform several procedures with a smaller footprint than some other systems because it employs cables with varying tension to adjust the flexibility of the endoscope.

Like the Invendoscope, the Meshworm design mimics the movement of earthworms and is intended for colonoscopy. Based on the octopus arm, the STIFF-FLOP soft robot uses fluidic chambers with a modular stiffening and bending strategy.

The Israeli self-propelling colonoscope Aer-O-Scope pushes itself into the colon and up to the cecum using carbon dioxide without the assistance of an outside force.

With the removal of electromagnetic fields, remote endoscopic operation with MRI-based guiding permits high-scope detectability.

Noninvasive robots are useful in image-guided therapy, including the CyberKnife or image-guided radiosurgery. The use of non-invasive thermotherapy using high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) coupled with robotic manipulators has been described.

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Newer Upcoming Approaches

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), where surgery can be truly non-invasive, is becoming closer thanks to these advancements, which also help to achieve greater stability of the instruments despite their flexibility, permit proper positioning of the instruments, greater dexterity, and higher-quality imaging.

• Miniature in Vivo Robots

An innovative strategy is to implant the whole MIS surgical platform into the peritoneal cavity using miniature in vivo robots. These robots have two multifunctional arms with various joints for infinite flexibility.

These provide scarless surgery with a small entry incision, tiny motors operating the arms, and great flexibility. Additionally, novice surgeons may utilise them under the guidance of more seasoned ones, greatly increasing patient access. 

With the aid of these robots, surgeons may do procedures remotely or on-site while getting several views of the operative site. These are affordable and portable, making MIS accessible to nearly everyone at any time or location—from space exploration to distant medical emergencies or combat zones.

• Capsule Robots

These are little endoscopes that are used for several medical procedures, medication administration, and diagnostic testing. They are incredibly tiny, resulting in less tissue damage and quick accessibility, and they can be moved by magnetic interactions, providing an untethered design with great flexibility of movement.

• Microbots

Even if they are still distant in the future, microbots are a possible innovation that might be put into circulation and transferred to a specific location without the need for any incisions.

In contrast to the previous master-slave systems, microrobots will have far more access, no physical link to the operator, and the ability to perform confined propulsion, consistent imaging, precise telemanipulation, and miniaturised functionality. Surgery might be revolutionised by microrobots once these problems are resolved.

What is Telemedicine and Why is It Considered the Future of Medicine?

Telemedicine first originated and developed in the US as a way to provide healthcare to those who lived in remote rural areas. 

Both robotics and telemedicine have developed and improved over time, and they will do so in the future. How come? The numerous advantages that these two technological advancements may offer to patients, as well as to doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in general, are evident to experts and researchers. They sincerely think that this may be the direction that modern medicine takes. As a result, there are various advantages that telemedicine and robotics-enabled healthcare practices are now providing. 

What is the Role of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in Robotic Surgical Technology?

AI has already been shown to be a huge help with patient monitoring and diagnoses in the medical field. The next natural step in integrating AI-based technologies and machine learning into medical treatment is to integrate AI into the operating room. This will greatly benefit patients and surgeons alike.

Surgical robotics is one of the next frontiers for optimising AI. Following are four ways robotic surgery can utilise AI to elevate the level of care, improve patient outcomes and reshape the healthcare industry:

• Learn From Large Sets of Data

Artificial intelligence-driven systems can process vast amounts of data in a matter of seconds. Developing “superhuman” advantages at the foundation of surgical robotics can maximise the possible use of information by optimising artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence (AI) systems are not limited by time or memory. They can be given records of thousands of operations in a matter of seconds, and they can recall the first procedure they see with the same accuracy as the last.

Robotic surgery can thus rely on AI absorbing significantly higher volumes of data which can be utilised as a learning tool for surgeons at all stages of their careers. From educating physicians on different methodologies to centralising access for surgeons in developing regions, AI can reshape the way physicians learn, practice and perfect their surgical skills.

• Recognize New Trends

Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers doctors a fresh viewpoint and a new pair of eyes, which can bring innovative approaches to current surgical techniques and ultimately standardise methods. Through the collection of global data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) can create complex visuals, identify minute variations, and establish novel patterns.

AI-based solutions can provide fresh, previously untested indications for the best surgical approaches by learning from thousands of surgical procedures. Understanding patterns and trends can help surgeons conduct some operations in new ways that improve patient and surgeon experiences. Standardised practices may result from this, as doctors all over the world execute AI-guided surgeries, using the same techniques to get optimal results.

• Relieve Cognitive and Physical Stress

AI can improve robotic surgery by reducing doctors’ stress levels, in addition to gathering a vast amount of data from which to learn and create new patterns. AI-based technologies may assist in guiding surgical processes and guaranteeing a more efficient process by identifying instruments, keeping an eye on operations, and sending alerts. Creating a plan of action based on the needs of each patient can help surgeons save valuable operating time and reduce cognitive strain, enabling them to do more surgeries at a higher level and with better results.

AI can also offer a fresh perspective on operating room ergonomics. The vast amount of “experience” that AI has amassed allows it to recognize and recommend ergonomically sound solutions, hence reducing the physical strain that many surgeons face while performing their procedures. Surgeons may prolong their careers and avoid compromising their physical health by utilising AI in conjunction with intelligent robotic surgical systems.

• Redefine Surgical Care

With the use of artificial intelligence (AI), more doctors will be able to learn from the top models in their area, which will enable more medical professionals to undertake surgery. Surgeons may benefit from and employ AI-based surgical robotics to reach a larger patient population, regardless of their location or the resources at their disposal. By diversifying into more sub-specialities, surgeons who now only handle a single kind of surgery may be able to impact a larger range of sub-specialities with their newfound ability to handle them.

Robotic surgery and artificial intelligence go hand in hand. It is essential to incorporate AI-based technologies into medical technology to enhance the experience of patients and doctors alike. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionise surgical robots, propel the healthcare sector to unprecedented heights, and pave the path for automated care by empowering doctors at every stage of their careers and improving the quality of treatment. 

Conclusion

Since its start, robotic surgery has advanced significantly. Thanks to technical developments, it is now a practical choice for many surgical operations. With several firms investing in research and development to advance the technology, the future of robotic surgery appears bright. This includes improvements in haptic feedback, artificial intelligence, and robotic arm motion. It follows that in the upcoming years, robotic surgery should become more widely available, reasonably priced, and effective.

At the CK Birla Hospital, we guarantee that patients receive complete medical treatment, including compassionate care. In addition to encouraging quicker recovery, this patient-centred approach ensures that patients are aware of the necessary precautions. Our staff of highly skilled surgeons has completed over 6,000 procedures, and they are skilled in carrying out life-saving procedures.

FAQs

What Are the Innovations in Robotic Surgery?

Modern surgical robots have tiny cameras built into them, giving the operator a visual aid to help increase precision. Cutting-edge technologies may even combine images from CT, MRI, and ultrasound scans, enabling a surgeon to see concealed surgical sites.

Why Are Robotic Surgeries So Innovative?

Medical practitioners may perform a wide range of difficult procedures with more control, accuracy, and flexibility thanks to robotic or automated surgery than is possible with traditional techniques. A lot of the time, minimally invasive surgeries involving tiny incisions are associated with mechanical surgery.