When we hear "robotic surgeon", we are most likely imagining huge machines "armed" with scalpels. But very soon the meaning of this phrase may change radically. The fact is that, according to an article published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, a group of researchers has created a small robot that can operate on patients from the inside without a single incision in the skin.
The miniature robotic surgeon is called Smart Tissue (STAR). Specialists from Johns Hopkins University are behind its creation. The skills that STAR possesses can envy even the most experienced surgeons.
In a series of laboratory tests, the little surgeon performed a series of operations on live pigs. During the experimental operation, the robot was programmed to create an intestinal anastomosis (connecting sections of the intestine, which is often required when removing tumors, necrosis and other conditions). So, the stitching of the two sections of the pig's small intestine was successful, and the robot coped with the task. At the same time, no external injuries were inflicted on the animal, since the robot is inserted through the mouth. It is worth mentioning that the person still took part in the operation: he supported the suture thread. But given that this is only the first model of a robot, in the future, human participation in operations can be avoided.
The active development of robotic medical technology is due to the fact that, according to researchers, there are not always enough qualified specialists to carry out complex operations. For example, according to the calculations of Australian scientists, by 2030 the need for medical workers will reach 40 million people, while their real number will be more than 2 times less - 18 million people.
Vladimir Kuznetsov