In the world of latest medical innovations, surgeons in Switzerland successfully performed an endoscopic procedure on a pig, through a screen 5,780 miles (about 9,300 kms) away in Hong Kong.
The groundbreaking experiment involved a robotic system and a magnetic endoscope, connected via a direct WebSocket protocol for real-time data transfer, and was done using a Playstation controller, controlled by the Swiss surgeon to steer the endoscope while viewing through a live video feed.
The technology used in this procedure is testament to advanced innovation in the tech and healthcare sectors.
The magnetic endoscope can be steered by controlling an external magnetic field, enabling complex actions such as bending into a U-turn and performing biopsies.
According to tech expert Kurt Knutsson’s CyberGuy Report, one of the key achievements of this experiment was that it maintained a latency of under 300 milliseconds, which is crucial for real-time surgical control.
This level of responsiveness is comparable to traditional surgical settings, allowing the remote surgeon to react swiftly to any developments during the procedure.
The success of such a surgery highlights the potential and possibilities of making surgical care more accessible to remote areas where expertise is needed but not locally available.
It is particularly significant for time-sensitive procedures and specialised surgeries.
Even though the results of this remote procedure are promising, the medical team also notes how there are challenges that may hinder the success of a telesurgery.
Establishing a reliable, high-speed internet connection is critical, so is ensuring uninterrupted communication between the remote surgeon and local staff.
Furthermore, the precision and safety of the robotic systems in use must be prioritised.