Technology
The advance of the robot and new surgical frontiers
What will the future hold for robotic-assisted surgery; how is the robotic landscape evolving; and what technologies are coming to the fore? CSJ takes a look at current trends and some of the latest developments in the sector.
Each year, the Future Surgery conference highlights the vital role of robotic and digital technologies in advancing surgery, and this year’s prgramme has continued to shine a light on how UK hositals are pioneering robot- assisted approaches across a variety of surgical specialties. From miniature-sized snake-like robots that can easily reach difficult to access locations in the human body,1 its debut in space,2
to a surgical robot making it is safe to say the world
of surgery has come a long way. Robots are allowing for greater precision and better visualisation, virtual reality (VR) is elevating the training and learning experiences of surgeons to another level, artificial intelligence has the potential to aid decision-making and training using ‘big data’, while 3D technologies are providing doctors with a whole new way to plan an entire surgery. Digital technologies are transforming the future of surgery, and we can expect these technologies to increasingly converge with robotics in the future, to advance surgical performance, as well as improving the accuracy of diagnostic procedures.
Robotic surgery trends There have been rapid advances in the field of robotics, in recent years, and the increasing
adoption of robots in the operating theatre is expected to reduce variation in surgical performance and the invasiveness of interventions. Minimal Access Surgery (MAS) is known to reduce infections and complications and, by facilitating wider access to MAS, robotic surgery could reduce pain, hospital stay and improve outcomes for patients. However, robots can also reduce surgeon fatigue in complex and lengthy procedures, and extend the careers of surgeons by reducing the risk of injury and strain.
Over the past decade, there has been a rapid expansion in robotic solutions with around 20 robots on the market today. In the immediate future, we can expect to see more widespread adoption, as robots become lighter, cheaper, smaller and more mobile. The global surgical robots market is anticipated to grow from USD 11.1 billion in 2024 to USD 23.7 billion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.5%.3
Intuitive Currently, one of the best-known surgical robots on the market today is Intuitive’s Da Vinci technology. The company recently received FDA clearance for its fifth-generation robotic system, which now includes more than 150 enhancements. These include:
l Improved accuracy and precision: New surgeon controllers and powerful vibration and tremor controls, make it the smoothest and most precise system Intuitive has developed to date.
l Next-generation 3D display and image processing: Da Vinci 5 is equipped with Intuitive’s highest quality and most natural 3D imaging system, enabling surgeons to see more today, and supporting future generations of surgical endoscopes and vision software as those technologies evolve.
l Force-sensing technology: Da Vinci 5 has introduced Force Feedback technology and optional instruments that enable the system to measure, and surgeons to feel, subtle forces exerted on tissue during surgery. In preclinical trials with surgeons at all experience levels, Force Feedback demonstrated up to 43 percent less force exerted on tissue, which may translate to less trauma. The ability to measure this force adds an important new data stream to surgical data science, which can bring future analytical insights supported through artificial intelligence.
l Meaningful throughput and workflow enhancements: Da Vinci 5 has features that are designed to help increase surgeon autonomy and streamline surgeon and care team workflow. For example, da Vinci 5 has integrated key OR technologies, including insufflation and an electrosurgical unit. The system also includes an optimised user interface, with settings that are accessible by the broader surgical team and by the surgeon directly from the head-in menu. Surgeons have access to other key settings while head-in to help them stay focused on the surgical field. Together, these innovations aim to continue to streamline workflow in the OR and potentially save valuable time, without compromising patient safety.
l Expanded computing power and advanced data capabilities: Da Vinci 5 has more than 10,000 times the computing power of da Vinci Xi. This enables innovative new system
October 2024 I
www.clinicalservicesjournal.com 25
Alexander Lupin -
stock.adobe.com
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