When we hear “robot surgeon”, we probably imagine a huge machine armed with scalpels. But soon the meaning may change radically. The fact that, according to an article published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, a team of researchers has created a robot that can operate inside patients without a single incision on the skin.
Miniature robot-surgeon called Smart Tissue (STAR). For its creation are experts from Johns Hopkins University. The skills possessed by the STAR, can cause envy even the most experienced surgeons.
During a series of laboratory tests is small, the surgeon had a series of surgeries on live pigs. During experimental procedure the robot was programmed to create intestinal anastomosis (connection of segments of the intestine that is often required for removing tumors, necrosis and other conditions). Now, stitching the two sections of the small intestine of pigs was successful, and the robot coped with the task. The external injuries to the animal were not applied, since the robot is placed in the mouth. It is worth mentioning that people still participated in the operation: it supported the thread for sutures. But given the fact that this is only the first model of the robot, in the future, human participation in operations can be avoided.
Active development of robotic medical equipment due to the fact that, according to the researchers, for the conduct of complex operations is not always enough qualified professionals. For example, according to estimates of Australian scientists, by 2030 the demand for workers in the medical sector will reach 40 million people, whereas the actual number is more than 2 times less than 18 million people.
Robot surgeon, who must eat
Vladimir Kuznetsov