A review article recently published in Electronics explores recent advancements in robotic surgery, focusing on new platforms that are shaping the future of healthcare. The researchers examined how robotic-assisted surgical systems (RASSs) have evolved over the years, highlighting their growing impact on clinical practices and the ways that they are helping to improve patient care.
Study: Advances in Robotic Surgery: A Review of New Surgical Platforms. Image Credit: Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com
Robotic systems have become an essential part of minimally invasive surgery (MIS), offering precision and control that can reduce recovery times and improve outcomes for patients. This review not only celebrates the progress made so far but also takes a close look at the challenges that still need to be addressed and the exciting possibilities for the future of robotic surgery.
Advancement in Robotic Surgery Technology
Over the past 20 years, robotic surgery has transformed the way complex procedures are performed, driven by the need for more precise and less invasive techniques.
RASSs have become essential tools in the operating room, giving surgeons greater dexterity, control, and accuracy during even the most challenging operations. While these technologies were initially met with skepticism, ongoing advancements have earned them widespread acceptance among medical professionals. The da Vinci surgical system, developed by Intuitive Surgical, has set the gold standard for safety and effectiveness, becoming a cornerstone of robotic surgery.
Recently, the expiration of key patents held by Intuitive Surgical has opened the market to new players and innovative platforms. These next-generation systems are raising the bar with features like modular designs for flexibility, haptic feedback to give surgeons a more tactile experience, and advanced imaging technology for enhanced precision. These innovations are improving both the surgical experience for doctors and the outcomes for patients across specialties like urology, gynecology, and general surgery.
Review Methodologies
In this study, the authors analyzed various robotic surgical systems that recently entered the market. They conducted a comprehensive literature review focusing on robotic platforms developed to meet the growing demand for minimally invasive techniques. The analysis covered advances in robotic surgery across three main specialties: general surgery, urology, and gynecology, assessing the technological progress and its impact on surgical practices.
To gather relevant data, the researchers employed a systematic approach, searching electronic databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between 2014 and June 2024. They included articles written in English with full text available, focusing on robotic systems featuring a surgical console.
Exclusions included simulations, animal studies, and papers solely on training. Keywords such as "Enos surgical robot," "Avatera surgical robot," "EPIONE surgical robot," "LBR Med surgical robot," "Sensei X surgical robot," "Galen surgical robot," "Vista surgical robot", and many more were used to identify relevant articles. This rigorous methodology ensured a comprehensive overview of the current state of robotic surgery.
Key Findings and Insights
The review highlighted a variety of new robotic platforms that are reshaping the field of surgery, each bringing unique features and significant clinical potential. Systems like Senhance, Revo-i, Micro Hand S, Hugo, Hinotori, KangDuo, Versius, Avatera, and Dexter are at the forefront of this innovation.
- Senhance stood out due to its semi-open console design and haptic feedback, giving surgeons a tactile experience that enhances precision during laparoscopic procedures.
- Revo-i offers high-definition 3D visualization and advanced optical controls, presenting itself as an affordable alternative to the widely used da Vinci system.
- Medtronic's Hugo features a modular design that allows it to adapt to various surgical needs and has shown success in urological and gynecological surgeries.
- Micro Hand S incorporates robotic arms with seven degrees of freedom, enabling extremely precise movements, particularly in colorectal surgeries.
One of the most exciting findings from the review was the significant reduction in blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and fewer complications when using robotic surgery compared to traditional methods. For example, robotic platforms reduced blood loss by up to 85.3 % compared to minimally invasive techniques and by 50.5 % compared to open surgery.
Innovations like Senhance’s haptic feedback and Revo-i’s advanced imaging and affordability highlight how these systems are making surgery safer, more precise, and more accessible. These advancements are not just about improving technology—they are about enhancing patient outcomes and safety, demonstrating the growing value of robotic platforms in modern medicine.
Applications
Advancements in robotic surgery are opening new possibilities across multiple specialties, including general surgery, urology, and gynecology—fields where precision and minimally invasive techniques are essential. The review highlighted how these platforms can improve patient outcomes, reduce recovery times, and make surgeries more efficient.
Robotic systems like Hugo and Senhance have already demonstrated their effectiveness in complex procedures, such as radical prostatectomy and laparoscopic surgeries, extending the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery to more patients. These platforms allow surgeons to perform intricate operations with enhanced control and accuracy, contributing to better surgical results.
Beyond clinical applications, robotic platforms are also revolutionizing surgical training and education. Systems with modular designs, such as Versius, create collaborative environments for real-time learning and observation. These features are particularly valuable for training new surgeons, providing hands-on experience in a controlled and interactive setting.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The development of new robotic platforms marks an exciting time in the field of autonomous and semi-autonomous surgery. These systems not only enhance surgical precision and control but also contribute to improved patient outcomes. Making robotic surgery more cost-effective has the potential to transform healthcare by increasing accessibility for facilities worldwide.
Looking ahead, efforts should focus on breaking down barriers to access and affordability while exploring innovative applications. Advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning also have the potential to make these systems smarter and more efficient, enabling procedures that were once unimaginable. To fully realize the potential of robotic surgery, collaboration between tech developers, regulators, and healthcare providers will be essential in shaping its future.
Journal Reference
Picozzi, P., & et al. Advances in Robotic Surgery: A Review of New Surgical Platforms. Electronics, 2024, 13(23), 4675. DOI: 10.3390/electronics13234675, https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9292/13/23/4675
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