Healthcare has seen a major technological development in the past week, with a recent news report detailing the world’s first remote robotic surgery. The groundbreaking human clinical trial saw a patient in Angola undergo a Prostatectomy procedure, with the surgeon operating from Orlando, Florida. This significant achievement in transcontinental robotic telesurgery highlights how healthcare is rapidly evolving, marking a shift that could have significant humanitarian implications, particularly for remote or underserved areas of the world.
Members of the IEEE have provided the following comments in response to the developments:
Dr Andrew Feeney, IEEE member, Professor of Ultrasonics at the University of Glasgow, member of the Centre for Medical and Industrial Ultrasonics and member the Materials & Manufacturing Research Group:
“Robotics is a transformative technology that spans several operational or application spaces. In the coming years, robotic platforms will likely feature more prominently in the delivery of high value healthcare, including surgery and treatment. An example of a robotic platform for healthcare delivery is the da Vinci surgical system – where its operation is still controlled by a clinician, but where the achievable control is greater than that which could be produced by a human. These robots can support the instruments required to conduct the procedure, whether it be surgery or another process such as diagnosis.
“The potential for robotic platforms to achieve faster patient recovery times and less peripheral damage to surrounding tissues has been reported, so robot-assisted approaches may continue to develop. However, there are still challenges to overcome - some of these are technological, but some relate to finances, lack of available skills or a general resistance to adopt a new technology. Policymakers, developers, academia and industry needs to communicate new technology developments is as transparently and plainly as possible, for them to be implemented for the benefit of society.”
Dr Antonio Espingardeiro, IEEE member, software and robotics expert:
“Robots are rapidly changing healthcare and making a significant impact in the field of medicine. We’re now seeing AI and robotics become a credible part of our healthcare ecosystem and as the technology becomes more advanced and can efficiently conduct tasks traditionally undertaken by humans, the potential for the technology within the this field is great.
“The next generation of surgical robots can relieve medical personnel from everyday tasks and free up resources for more urgent responsibilities. This makes medical operations safer and less expensive for patients. When used for surgical procedures, robotics can reduce human tremor and provide far less invasive surgeries which means less trauma for patients and faster recovery times.”
Ayesha Iqbal, IEEE senior member and engineering trainer at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre:
“The emergence of AI in healthcare has completely reshaped the way we diagnose, treat and monitor patients. While applications like performing robot-assisted surgeries can lead to more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans, the adoption of AI in healthcare is facing some challenges. These include the complexity of AI systems, lack of technology awareness, lack of skilled AI workforce and regulatory guidelines and lack of trust.
"Therefore, it is crucial to establish ethical guidelines and standards, ensure data privacy and security, offer trialability and educate patients so that trust can be developed. At that point, widespread adoption of AI in healthcare can be realized."