Robotics
Robotics has been a part of the medical field for decades. However, engineers and inventors are only scratching the surface of what is achievable in the medical field. Advancements in robotic surgery are continuing, and this technology has untapped potential to continue to revolutionize the field of surgery.
THE DA VINCI ROBOT
One of the more recent and major advancements in robotics is the Da Vinci Robot. It allows doctors to both view the surgical field and operate while in a robotics control room outside of the operating room via the use of cameras and the robotic instrument. The Da Vinci makes doctors' movements more precise and accurate. The doctor places their fingers into hand-like controllers and their head into lenses. The robot mimics every movement the doctor makes inside the patient. The robot can have many different attachments, and can even deliver electricity to cauterize. The benefit of the Da Vinci is that it is able to perform complex, minimally invasive surgery with precision and accuracy. Thus, the robot markedly enhances the surgeons capabilities, but is not able to operate on its own.
THE CYBER KNIFE
The Cyber Knife is a fully autonomous arm that is used to distribute radiation to tumors and abnormal tissues. The Cyber Knife limits radiation exposure to healthy tissue that surrounds the target. The arm is able to complete this task with precision down to the millimeter. This precision allows the arm to deliver a higher dosage of radiation per pulse.
THE GAMMA KNIFE
The Gamma Knife is a radiation treatment for small to medium brain tumors, abnormal blood vessel formations called arteriovenous malformations, epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia, a nerve condition that causes chronic pain, and other neurological conditions. This machine delivers one high dose of fine focused radiation that causes little to no damage to surrounding areas. This invention is a noninvasive option for patients.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
All of these robotic technologies provide a less invasive and overall superior option for most patients. These inventions result in decreases recovery times and less time spent in the hospital. This translates into lower cost overall and higher cost efficiency for the healthcare system. While procedures using these robots may be more costly upfront, the pros outweigh the cons in these scenarios. Access to these machine is already fairly widespread, and is further increasing rapidly. The automation aspect of some of these robotic systems decreases the burden on doctors, which in return benefits the entire healthcare system.