Researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich) and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) have achieved a major milestone in medical science by successfully performing a teleoperated magnetic endoscopy surgery. This pioneering procedure, conducted on a swine model, involved a remote-controlled device to biopsy the stomach wall.
In a notable demonstration of cross-continental collaboration, a clinician present in Hong Kong and a specialist operating from 9,300 kilometers away in Zurich utilized advanced technology to control the procedure. The Zurich-based expert used a game controller from an operator console to manipulate the magnetic endoscope, showcasing precise control with latency under 300 milliseconds.
The study, published in Advanced Intelligent Systems, highlights the potential of this technology to deliver specialized surgical care to remote regions where local expertise may be scarce. Dr. Shannon Melissa Chan from CU Medicine emphasized that teleoperated endoscopy could not only facilitate remote surgical training and mentoring but also offer immediate diagnostic and surgical services globally.
Professor Dr. Bradley Nelson from ETH Zurich noted that the next phase of research will involve performing tele-endoscopy on human subjects. Beyond gastrointestinal procedures, the technology holds promise for applications in the neurovascular system and fetal surgery.
This development opens the door to future remote surgeries, potentially benefiting patients in isolated areas and even astronauts, marking a significant advancement in the accessibility and scope of surgical care.
