History of Medical Robotics

The concept of medical robotics was introduced in the 1980s when the first robot was used during a neurosurgical biopsy. Since then, there has been enormous progress in robotics technology and its application in healthcare. One of the first commonly used robots for surgery was the PUMA 260, which was adapted for neurosurgery in 1985. Some key developments in the history of medical robotics include the AESOP system in 1994 which used voice commands to control an endoscopic camera during surgery and the da Vinci Surgical System approved by the FDA for laparoscopic surgery in 2000. Over time, advances in robotics, computer vision, artificial intelligence and other technologies have made medical robotics more sophisticated and useful for a variety of surgical specialities and procedures.

Advantages of Using Robotic Surgical Systems

One of the major advantages of robotic surgical systems is that it allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures with improved vision, precision, dexterity and control. The magnification, stereoscopic vision and filter functions provided by robotic camera systems enable surgeons to see structures in high definition with up to 10-15x magnification. Robotic arms have wrist joints and multidirectional instrumentation that provide surgeons with enhanced control, dexterity and range of motion which allows for procedures requiring intricate suturing, repair and reconstruction. This results in less blood loss, less risk of infection, shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times for patients compared to open surgery. Additionally, robotic systems can filter out hand tremors and offer improved ergonomics by sitting at a console while performing the operation remotely. This helps reduce fatigue of long, complex procedures. Telemedicine capabilities also allow surgeons to operate on patients remotely from anywhere in the world using roboticassisted techniques.

Types of Medical Robotic Systems

Several types of robotic systems are currently used for a variety of medical procedures. The da Vinci Surgical System is the most widely used robotic surgical assistant in general, urologic, gynecologic, cardiothoracic, and head and neck procedures. Other important robotic systems include:

- Neuromate and Renaissance - Used for neurosurgical biopsy and minimally invasive brain surgery under MRI or CT guidance.

- CyberKnife - A radiation therapy system that delivers high doses of radiation with sub-millimeter accuracy for tumor treatment.

- CorPath and HeartLander - Used for robotic transcatheter cardiac procedures such as mitral valve repair and intervention during beating heart surgery.

- Monarch Platform - Enables incision-less surgery through natural orifices using magnetic anchoring and guidance system.

- Rosa Spine System - Assists in spinal surgeries like discectomy, laminectomy and tumor removal with a robotic arm.

- Hansen robotic system - Helps position patients and tools for procedures like total knee replacement surgery.

The future looks promising with ongoing research to develop soft, wearable robots, exoskeletons and surgery through drones and endoscopic capsule robots to transform healthcare delivery.

Applications of Medical Robotic Systems

Over the past years, medical robotics have become an integral part of many surgical specialties. Some key areas where robotics are widely applied include:

General Surgery: Procedures like hernia repair, sleeve gastrectomy, colon and rectal surgeries are commonly performed robot-assisted. This allows operating through small incisions with better visualization.

Urology: Robotic technologies have nearly replaced traditional open surgery for management of prostate cancer with radical prostatectomy. Other urologic applications are partial nephrectomy, pyeloplasty and procedures for kidney and bladder cancer.

Gynecology: Hysterectomy, myomectomy, sacrocolpopexy and pelvic lymph node dissection can all be performed robotically for precise dissection near delicate tissues in an ergonomic manner.

Cardiothoracic: Mitral valve repair, atrial septal defect closure, thoracoscopic lobectomy and thymectomy are some cardiac and thoracic surgical applications of robotics.

Neurosurgery: Stereotactic brain biopsies, tumor resection, epilepsy surgery, spinal disc operations and implants are routinely robot-assisted in neuro Operating rooms globally.

Future Prospects of Medical Robotic Systems

Medical robotics has come a long way from its initial conception and still has tremendous potential for future growth. Areas where robotics is likely to expand include micro-robotics like swallowable endoscopic capsules, implantable surgical bots, nanorobots for drug delivery. Surgical robots are becoming smaller, more dexterous and intelligent through advances in areas like artificial intelligence, tactile sensing and computer vision. Additionally, robotic tele-mentoring, remote surgery and surgical training using virtual and augmented reality platforms are poised to transform surgical education. Wearable robots or exoskeletons also show promise in aiding surgeons perform long procedures and reducing errors. With continuous technological evolution, medical robotics will play an even greater role in advancing minimally invasive care for patients around the world.

About Author:

Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191