In an unprecedented experiment, surgeons in Switzerland successfully performed an endoscopic procedure on a pig 5,780 miles away in Hong Kong.
This innovative feat was accomplished using a video game controller, paving the way for the future of remote surgery in humans, especially in areas lacking local medical expertise.
The technology behind remote surgery
The procedure used a robotic system and a magnetic endoscope, which were directly connected via WebSocket protocol for real-time data transfer.
The Swiss surgeon performed the operation from a control console in Zurich, watching the procedure via a live video feed and moving the endoscope using a PlayStation 3 Move controller.
Other demonstrations appear to have scientists using PlayStation 5 controllers, which would be very easy to come by these days.
This technology allows precise navigation within the body, as the magnetic endoscope can be steered by controlling the external magnetic field, enabling complex maneuvers such as bending into U-turns and performing biopsies.
Latency and real-time control
One of the major achievements of this experiment was to maintain latency of less than 300 milliseconds, which is critical for real-time surgical control.
This level of response is comparable to traditional surgical settings, allowing the remote surgeon to respond rapidly to any developments during the procedure.
Implications for health care
The success of this remote surgery highlights the potential of telesurgery to expand surgical care to remote areas where local expertise is not available.
This is especially important for time-sensitive procedures and special surgeries. The technology can also be adapted for use in space, providing a surgical solution for astronauts far from Earth.
Challenges and ideas
Despite promising results, challenges remain to be overcome. It is important to establish a reliable, high-speed Internet connection, as well as ensure effective communication between the remote surgeon and local staff.
Furthermore, the safety and accuracy of the robotic system should be prioritized to avoid complications during procedures.
Kurt’s highlights
The advancement of robotic magnetic navigation technology represents an unprecedented advancement in the field of telesurgery.
By overcoming geographical barriers, this technology not only increases access to surgical expertise but also promises to change the landscape of minimally invasive procedures.
As research continues and more successful trials are conducted, the reality of remote surgery becoming a routine part of medical practice may soon become a reality, benefiting countless patients around the world.
Would you feel comfortable undergoing a surgical procedure performed remotely by a surgeon thousands of miles away? Let us know by writing here cyberguy.com/contact,
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report newsletter cyberguy.com/newsletter,
