Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries worldwide, and the hospital operating room is no exception. While there’s been a push against this disruptive technology in certain sectors like Media & Entertainment, the healthcare industry is expected “to see limited use of AI in clinical practice within five years to more extensive use within 10,” according to the National Institutes of Health. This expectation was set in 2019. Now, five years later, did we reach that?

As it turns out, AI and other technologies like robotics can and have shown promise in the surgical field. Specifically, they’ve demonstrated unmatched precision, which, in turn, increases the number of minimally invasive procedures, simplifying the approach to complex operations. AI-driven robotic surgery, unlike traditional surgery, is assistive care for the patient and the surgeon.

Advanced algorithms and robust software augment the skills of surgeons and improve their decision-making. This is supported by Dr. Christopher J. Tignanelli, who said in the American College of Surgeons: “AI will analyze surgeries as they’re being done and potentially provide decision support to surgeons while they’re operating.”

So, let’s take a deep dive into the advantages AI and robotics bring to medicine.

The Striking Advantages of AI-Powered Robotics

Enhanced Precision: One of the most fundamental benefits robotic surgery systems can deliver to surgeons is a significantly greater sense of control and dexterity than the human hand could provide. These systems give surgeons the ability to operate with extreme accuracy, even within tight spaces, minimizing damage to the patient. Additionally, 3D visualization and magnification give surgeons a more comprehensive perspective of the patient’s body.

AI algorithms enhance precision by analyzing real-time data, utilizing cameras and sensors that work in tandem with software. The insights that robust healthcare software can provide help adequately predict blood flow patterns and, more importantly, pinpoint possible complications before they happen. Brain surgeries are a prime example of where this technology excels. Artificial intelligence can be a vital assistant in mapping out the safest path a surgeon should take, reducing the risk of complications by avoiding crucial areas. In combination, the accuracy available with robotics and the insights derived from AI will lead to more effective and secure outcomes.

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FURTHER READING—Man & Machine: Artificial Intelligence’s Impact on Medtech

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Minimally Invasive Procedures: Laparoscopic surgery was at the forefront of what we could achieve using accurate tools. However, we can augment this tool and go beyond with cutting-edge technologies. Robotic systems, as a part of their nature, are minimally invasive. Therefore, patients can experience less postoperative pain, faster recovery times, and reduced scarring, among other benefits, such as a less likely chance of an infection due to a large incision and other complications.

Some of the concerns people have about robotic surgery’s effectiveness and safety can be answered with AI. Adding AI to the equation can ensure even the most minuscule movements are controlled and precise through real-time feedback and support.

Of course, patient outcomes are the most important part of this discussion. Research supported by the National Institutes of Health indicates that robotic surgery delivers “improved patient outcomes” across a wide range of surgical procedures. Surgeons who perform with these tools have patients who experience shorter recovery times and pain—bouncing back from what would’ve been more severe procedures just a decade ago.

Additionally, AI-powered predictive analytics makes personalized care before and after operations easier. AI analyzes a patient’s medical history and assists doctors with delivering a more focused and tailored treatment plan. Of course, these advantages would have to remain compliant with established regulations. Still, it’s something that, in due time, can be implemented appropriately as the technologies become more advanced.

Robotics is not limited to general surgeries; it has the potential to revolutionize a wide range of specialties, offering minimally invasive solutions for complex procedures. The agility offered by robotic systems can be leveraged within urology and gynecology, among other specialties.

Urology: Commonly used for procedures like kidney stone surgeries and prostate removals, robotics offers a particular benefit to patients who are experiencing otherwise delicate operations. With precision, surgeons can preserve nerve function and minimize unnecessary harm.

Gynecology: Fibroid removal and hysterectomies, ultimately incredibly invasive procedures, can be handled with minimal invasion and the utmost care. As a result, patients are far less likely to face complications during the operations and have a better postoperative experience due to less pain and a faster recovery.

Cardiothoracic Surgery: With impressive advancements made within robotics, cardiothoracic procedures have followed suit. Bypass surgeries and heart valve repair are being conducted via these AI-powered small tools, which help reduce instances of thoracotomies, leading to higher chances of survival for older patients and improving overall outcomes.

Neurosurgery: The difficulty of removing foreign bodies from the human body depends on where they appear. Of course, one of the most sensitive areas is the brain. AI-assisted robotic systems allow doctors to remove tumors with unparalleled accuracy, minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.

As a fundamental part of the conversation, Artificial intelligence can assist beyond the actual procedures. With the continuous development and upgrading of these systems, the role of AI can go beyond augmenting movements.

AI’s Role in Robotic Surgery and Addressing Concerns

The very nature of artificial intelligence invites the concern of workers across a variety of sectors. There’s the fear that technology as disruptive as this can, and will, replace humans who have spent time training, studying, and practicing their craft. Within the realm of medicine, that is not likely to happen. According to a piece written by Jim McCartney of the American College of Surgeons, “most AI and robotic surgery experts seem to agree that the prospect of an AI-controlled surgical robot completely replacing human surgeons is improbable.”

We’ve made significant strides but the technology still hasn’t reached its full potential—a fact that leads to the various legal, ethical, and regulatory issues that incorporating it can bring. More specifically, the rapid development of AI has made it difficult to have nuanced laws and considerations within facilities. However, the natural skepticism held by a sizable portion of the community is providing the necessary buffer to having willing and excited individuals within the space to conduct implementation science.

How can AI be an advantage rather than a burden? Let’s examine its big three components.

Machine Learning: Machine learning is an information-driven component, one of AI’s earliest and consistently evolving parts. Within robotic surgeries, the algorithms developed by expert software developers will study enormous amounts of data, both historical and real-time. Consequently, the algorithm can suggest surgical paths that would avoid potential complications while also adapting to the changing condition of the patient.

Computer Vision: Another key aspect of AI is computer vision, which helps provide surgical guidance and enables image recognition. In tandem with machine learning algorithms, AI can accurately identify a patient’s internal structure, including critical areas, and help avoid damage.

Natural Language Processing: Natural Language Processing, or NLP, makes AI capable of communicating effectively and seamlessly with the surgeon. With the capability to respond to voice commands, real-time adjustments during surgeries can be made quickly—giving the doctor greater control and efficiency.

The Future of Robotic Surgery

Ultimately, the current status of AI-powered robotic surgery is one of hesitance. This is not to say medical professionals are shying away from innovative technologies, more so that a full-on embracement and adoption of these solutions isn’t happening. Incorporating AI will happen in due time as we figure out the logistics. In the meantime, we examine how the technologies can transform the sector and patient care. With a promising future, we observe that artificial intelligence in robotics can make complex surgical procedures more accessible and straightforward. 

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Pravin Vazirani, assistant vice president at Chetu, an award-winning global software solutions and support services provider, has an extensive background in healthcare, digital transformation, and Robotic Process Automation (RPA). He brings more than two decades of progressive experience in the IT industry, where he leverages his expertise to deliver cutting-edge custom solutions, including an innovative approach to artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), blockchain, and DevOps. Pravin’s deep understanding of these technologies enables him to provide clients with tailored solutions that drive efficiency and innovation.