Latest news on Surgical robots → Surgical robotics companies → BioRobotics→
Surgical robots represent a significant advancement in medical technology. These robots, often controlled by surgeons, enhance the precision, control, and flexibility during surgical procedures. Here are some key aspects of surgical robots:
Enhanced Precision and Control: Surgical robots offer superior precision and control compared to human hands. Their mechanical arms can perform delicate movements with accuracy, reducing the risk of human error.
Minimally Invasive Surgery: They enable minimally invasive surgery, which means smaller incisions, less pain, and quicker recovery times for patients. This approach reduces the risks associated with traditional open surgeries.
3D Visualization: Many surgical robots are equipped with high-definition, three-dimensional cameras that provide surgeons with a clear and magnified view of the surgical area, offering better visualization than the naked eye.
Remote Surgery: Some systems allow for remote surgery, where the surgeon operates the robot from a different location. This capability is particularly beneficial in regions lacking specialized surgeons.
Training and Simulation: Surgical robots can be used for training purposes, allowing surgeons to practice procedures in a simulated environment before performing actual surgery.
Cost and Accessibility: While these robots can be expensive and increase the cost of surgical procedures, they can also lead to cost savings in the long term due to reduced complications and shorter hospital stays.
Types of Procedures: They are used in various fields such as orthopedics, neurosurgery, cardiology, and gynecology, for procedures ranging from joint replacements to tumor removals.
Future Developments: Ongoing research and development promise even more advanced features, like greater autonomy, AI integration for enhanced decision-making, and improved remote surgery capabilities.
Overall, surgical robots are revolutionizing surgery, making it safer, more precise, and less invasive, while also presenting new challenges and considerations in terms of cost and accessibility.
Types of Surgical robots
Surgical robots have evolved significantly, each type designed to enhance various aspects of surgery. Here are some of the main types of surgical robots:
Telemanipulator Surgical Robots: These are the most common type, where the surgeon operates the robot from a console, controlling the robotic arms. A prime example is the da Vinci Surgical System, widely used for procedures like prostatectomies and hysterectomies.
Supervisory-Controlled Robots: These robots perform surgery under the supervision of a surgeon. The surgeon plans the procedure, and the robot executes it autonomously. This type is often used in precise, repetitive tasks, like drilling perfect holes in bone during orthopedic surgery.
Shared-Control Robots: In this system, the surgeon and the robot work together during the procedure. The robot assists with steadiness and precision, but the surgeon guides the operation. This type is commonly used in neurosurgery, where extreme precision is crucial.
Capsule Robots: These small, ingestible robots are designed to perform diagnostic functions, such as taking images or tissue samples from inside the body. They are less invasive and can reach areas of the body that traditional surgical methods cannot.
Microbots and Nanobots: These are extremely small robots envisioned for highly specialized tasks, such as targeting individual cells or performing microvascular procedures. They represent the cutting edge of medical robotics and are still largely in the research and development stage.
Exoskeletons and Rehabilitation Robots: These are not surgical robots per se, but they play a significant role in the recovery phase. They assist patients in regaining movement and retraining muscles after surgery or injury.
Radiosurgery Robots: These robots are used in non-invasive surgical procedures that involve directing radiation at cancerous tumors. An example is the CyberKnife system, which delivers precise radiation therapy while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Each type of surgical robot has its specific applications and advantages, contributing to the broadening scope of robotic-assisted surgery in modern medicine. As technology advances, more specialized and sophisticated surgical robots are likely to emerge, further transforming surgical practices.
Several companies are known for manufacturing surgical robots, which are an important part of modern medical technology. Some of the key players in this field include:
Intuitive Surgical: Best known for their da Vinci Surgical System, Intuitive Surgical is a leader in the field of robotic-assisted surgery. The da Vinci system is widely used for a variety of surgical procedures, including gynecologic, urologic, and cardiothoracic surgery.
Medtronic: Medtronic is a major player in the medical device industry and has been developing its own surgical robotics systems. They are known for their diverse range of medical technologies in addition to surgical robotics.
Stryker: Stryker is another well-known name in medical technology, particularly for their Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery system, which is used primarily in orthopedic surgery, such as knee and hip replacements.
Smith & Nephew: This company offers the NAVIO Surgical System, which is a handheld, robotic-assisted device used for knee and hip surgeries. It provides assistance in planning and performing these procedures.
Auris Health (part of Johnson & Johnson): Known for their Monarch Platform, Auris Health focuses on robotic technology for endoscopic procedures, particularly in the lungs.
CMR Surgical: A relatively newer player in the field, CMR Surgical has developed the Versius Surgical Robotic System, which is a versatile and portable system designed for a range of laparoscopic procedures.
Zimmer Biomet: They have developed the ROSA Robot, which is used in neurosurgical and spine surgeries, as well as in knee replacements.
Globus Medical: Known for their ExcelsiusGPS robotic navigation system, Globus Medical specializes in spine and neurosurgery.
These companies are at the forefront of surgical robot development, contributing significantly to advancements in minimally invasive surgery. Each company's robotic system has its own unique features and specialties, catering to different types of surgical procedures.