The
Future Of Robotic
Surgery

Asensus is a leading company in surgical robotics with a decade of experience. The company successfully commercialized the Senhance surgical system, performing over 10,000 procedures in Europe, the US, Japan, and Taiwan. Now, Asensus is dedicated to advancing further with its next-gen LUNA Surgical System, integrating cutting-edge digital and mechanical technologies.

Asensus instruments have high reusability, resulting in low per-procedure costs and setting industry standards. Compared to typical 7.5 to 8-millimeter robotic instruments, LUNA’s five-millimeter instruments are best-in-class and essential for converting traditional laparoscopic procedures to minimally invasive ones. Asensus stands out with the Intelligent Surgical Unit (ISU), which offers real-time interoperative video and data access, replacing outdated methods such as sterile measuring tapes and opening up a world of clinical possibilities.

The Evolution of Surgical Robots

Currently, there are several types of surgical robots, each designed for specific medical purposes. While some may look alike, in the future, a single robot will serve only one or two segments of surgery. For example, we could have a robot for spine and orthopedic procedures or a combination of neurosurgery and spine surgery. Most robots are tailored for their specialties. 

Some surgeries fall under image-guided procedures, where the robot is anchored to the patient, monitoring instrument positions relative to the anatomy. Others, like minimally invasive robotics, involve telemanipulation with the surgeon guiding instruments from a console. While there has been progress, fully autonomous soft tissue surgery remains challenging due to variations in patient anatomy, making spine and orthopedic surgeries more amenable to autonomy. Nevertheless, robotics and AI continue to improve surgical outcomes across specialized fields.

AI-Driven Surgical Robotics

In the fast-evolving world of surgical robotics, recent AI-driven advancements show great promise for medical practices. However, privacy and cybersecurity concerns are crucial to address. Thankfully, the FDA has taken steps to regulate AI in medical devices, requiring rigorous testing with specific datasets to ensure consistent performance. Each AI algorithm will have a clear “intended use statement,” specifying its purpose in specific procedures.

Additionally, the FDA distinguishes between “closed” and “open” algorithms. Closed algorithms are fixed, while open ones can adapt to new procedures. However, it’s necessary to be cautious in the latter case to ensure reliability, especially for devices with limited internet access.

Envisioning the Future of Robotic Surgery

Looking ahead to the future of robotic surgery, Caleb envisions a seamless integration of technology and expertise. Surgeons will go beyond using the robot only in the operating room. They’ll be able to confidently present the system to patients, building trust in both their skills and the robot’s capabilities. To achieve this, comprehensive training and ongoing support will be crucial.

Moreover, robotic systems will seamlessly integrate with other medical devices, creating an interconnected operating room. This collaboration, especially between the robot and anesthesia technology, will enhance patient outcomes. The focus is optimizing the entire surgical process while ensuring the surgeon’s experience remains efficient and effective.

Navigating Privacy and Regulatory Challenges

The continuous journey towards high-bandwidth data traffic in and out of the operating room (OR) is not solely driven by surgery. It also capitalizes on opportunities to piggyback on other needs like diagnostic imaging and electronic health records. Managing the data flow and privacy across countries like Germany and Italy, particularly in the cloud, will be crucial.

Fortunately, significant companies are already working on privacy solutions and plugins, with AWS and Google Cloud taking the lead. However, regulatory bodies must embrace these advancements, ensuring seamless integration of cloud computing and on-device operations to enhance the clinical experience. Just like they’ve done well in addressing cybersecurity, they must now tackle privacy and AI issues promptly and collaboratively. These advancements promise to revolutionize patient care and healthcare efficiency.

Enhancing Medical Device Experiences

In the realm of medical devices, there are a couple of significant factors that are often overlooked but can have a profound impact on patient care. Firstly, clinicians interact with a vast number of devices daily, each of which may have multiple buttons and screens, leading to confusion and inefficiency. This can ultimately result in less effective patient care, which is a critical issue in the healthcare industry. 

Secondly, for surgeons who work with multiple robotic systems, it is crucial to maintain consistency in core interactions, such as tissue manipulation, even if login procedures vary. This ensures that the surgeon can focus on the task without worrying about navigating different systems. As technology continues to evolve, competition in the market should aim to introduce innovative features that can enhance the overall user experience, much like how backup cameras became standard in cars. Additionally, hospitals can provide resources for patients, such as simplified simulators, to help build trust between patients and surgeons.