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Dawn of surgical robotics

John Denslinger is a former executive VP Murata, president SyChip Wireless, and president/CEO ECIA, the industry’s trade association. His career spans 40 years in electronics

This month, John Denslinger investigates how AI is being deployed before, during and after surgical procedures to help improve efficiency, precision and patient outcomes.

Of all the applications benefiting from AI, perhaps healthcare sits at the top of the list with the potential of transforming our quality of life through enhanced diagnostics, predictive modeling, and data-driven clinical support. Thanks to AI, drug discovery has accelerated and personalized treatment plans centered on a patient’s profile and genetic make-up is nearing reality. AI assisted robots perform minimally invasive procedures and now target more complex surgeries. The future of AI’s contribution to human life cannot be over-stated.

Robotic surgery is the new frontier. AI can automate several specific tasks before, during and after the surgical procedure vastly improving efficiency, precision and patient outcomes. Beforehand, AI can analyze pre-operative data optimizing surgical strategies for best predictive outcomes. During surgery, AI-driven robotics aid precise positioning of surgical instruments, monitor physiological signs and detect abnormalities in real-time. In complex surgeries, AI algorithms easily recognize critical anatomical structures avoiding surgical complications. From start to finish, AI learns from observing surgical techniques and repetition allows mastery of surgical skills optimizing patient outcomes.

The global demand for surgically capable robots was $10.4 billion in 2023 and expected to grow to $14.1 billion by 2026 according to an Oliver Wyman analysis. That amounts to an 11 per cent CAGR. North American share of world-wide demand presently sits at 70 per cent. By application, gynecological, urological, neuro, orthopedic, cardiothoracic and general surgery are the leading beneficiaries of AI assisted robotics.

A company by the name of Intuitive Surgical pioneered the use of surgically capable robots. Their da Vinci Surgical System is the gold standard and reportedly costs around $2 million per installation. Although Intuitive Surgical controls 90 per cent of the global market for general surgery, competition from major medical device makers is accelerating according to GlobalData. Medtronics offers their RAS System with Touch Surgery Ecosystem for general surgery and Mazor for spinal surgery. Stryker’s approach seems more specialized with its Mako SmartRobotics system targeting orthopedic applications. Johnson & Johnson has three platforms: the Monarch is a solution for pulmonary procedures, the Velys addresses orthopedics, and the soon to launch Ottava will compete directly with da Vinci.

Surprisingly, less than 15 per cent of all surgeries in the US are robotic, but needs are changing. We have an aging population, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, growing surgical volumes for minimally invasive procedures, and shortages of skilled surgical personnel. Patients easily grasp the fundamental advantages of AI assisted surgical robots: reduced recovery times, less complications, better surgical outcomes. Hospitals appear willing to invest and healthcare providers willing to approve and reimburse for robotic procedures.

But the future of robotic innovation doesn’t stop here. A US based company just announced the first trial of an automated dental procedure performed by AI assisted robotics. The inclusion of oral healthcare is significant because the entire population routinely visits a dentist at least once a year for preventative treatments.

One final observation needs to be mentioned. System portability is missing. That feature may be down the road. In the meantime, rural communities and smaller outpatient settings are disadvantaged.

Medical companies are rolling out dedicated robotic systems. AI enables personalized patient treatment. Surgeons, hospitals, and healthcare providers enthusiastically embrace the benefits. It’s truly the dawn of surgical robotics.