Future Of Robots In Operating Room
Robotic surgery is being transformed by declining costs and the rise of technologies like Artificial Intelligence and 5G. The fundamental concept of robotics has been around for a while, but it wasn’t until 2000, when the FDA approved Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci system for general laparoscopic surgery, that surgical robotics gained more traction.
In robotic surgery, surgeons use computer-controlled machinery to perform surgical procedures. The aim is to enable less invasive complex surgeries with greater accuracy, precision and consistency (than is possible with conventional techniques). Surgical robots range widely in terms of size, autonomy, and function. At one end of the spectrum are large, heavy, free-standing systems, while at the other end are small, lightweight, and typically more manoeuvrable instruments. Some are entirely dependent on surgeon-driven controls, while others operate with varying degrees of autonomy. Several systems can be used across multiple surgical disciplines, but the majority are for particular specialties or are procedure-specific (e.g. Smith & Nephew’s NAVIO-CORI system for knee replacement).
Inspite of all the adulation, robotic surgery has remained in the early stages of adoption since a while. Now, with several med-tech powerhouses entering the market and new technologies enabling better robotic systems, the healthcare industry looks to be on the cusp of major transformation. This new phase will be characterized by accelerating competition, increasing levels of innovation and compelling economics.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already breathing new life into robotic-assisted surgeries making it easier for surgeons to navigate small incisions and limit strains on joints. In the future, advanced AI will allow robots to explore the patient’s body and give the surgeon several courses of action to choose from. Once an action is selected, the robot could execute the fine precision work, while the surgeon supervises. Another aspect of futuristic robotic-assisted surgeries will potentially enable one surgeon to oversee procedures in multiple hospitals (and countries), thus granting access to specialized care in smaller, rural hospitals – as long as the hospitals have the robotic platform. This model can establish a decentralized network-based care, extremely essential in a country like ours.
Operating rooms (ORs) are one of the most critical areas of a hospital and a prime target for innovation. The past decade has seen a significant shift in the use of sophisticated and automated technology in the OR, including high-resolution displays and surgical cameras, speech recognition software and applications, augmented & virtual reality and other ‘smart hospital’ technology. While ORs have been transforming over the past decade, there
are even more innovative tools being developed to further enhance efficiency and precision. Some of these tools will have an impact in the short term but more ‘idealistic’ innovations (such as advanced AI, remote-controlled surgery) will take longer to reach the OR.
Leveraging a connected digital ecosystem, gathering and using data to drive better outcomes is the way of the future. Winning strategies will use deep learning algorithms to complement surgical expertise, by enhancing real-time decision making during complex surgeries.
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